Makhaya Ntini removes Indian skipper Ganguly

Ganguly himself scored 30 - before he was forced into nicking a snorting delivery from Makhaya Ntini.

The captain, who has such a poor record leading his side in away Tests, had plenty of praise for debutant Virender Sehwag, who hit a century in the first innings.

Ganguly said: "He looks a good player. He's done well in the one-dayers and has done well in Test cricket too. He's good for the future of India."

Novice Connor Williams may well play in the match against South Africa A at East London, but Ganguly said the opener's berth remained open to Dravid in the Tests.

"We'll see how it goes." he said. "Rahul is a quality player - he's volunteered to open for India and I think he will be successful."

Quality Dravid may have - with a Test average of more than 50. But whether he can open is another matter, after scores of two and 11 in Bloemfontein.

Harbhajan Singh is poised to be fit in time for Port Elizabeth.

"He's getting better every day," said Ganguly. "There are nine days in between today and the second Test so I think he should be alright."

Left-armers Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan were generally a disappointment. Ganguly said: "They haven't bowled well in this Test match and I hope they pick up and get to the peak of their form at East London."