SA v IND: Bowlers Day Out At Centurion

Cricket Image for SA v IND: Bowlers Day Out At Centurion (Image Source: AFP)

SA v IND: A total of 18 wickets fell on day 3 of the first test on the classic Centurion pitch that offers great assistance to the fast bowlers. 

After the rain washed out the second day, India resumed day 3 at 272/3, Kagiso Rabada drew the first blood as he removed the overnight centurion, KL Rahul, who only added one run to his 122 on day 1. Soon, Ajinkya Rahane also edged one to the keeper as he got out for a well-made 48. 

In the next over, R Ashwin top-edged one and got out after hitting a boundary. With the wicket of Rishabh Pant, Lungi Ngidi got his five-wicket haul. Rabada, in the next over, got Shardul Thakur out for four. In the next over, Mohammad Shami edged one to the keeper to give Ngidi his six-wicket haul. 

For the final wicket, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj added 19 runs as India got bowled out for 327, losing final seven wickets for 55 runs. 

In reply, Bumrah removed Dean Elgar in the first over itself and the lunch was called soon. 

In the post-lunch session, Mohammad Shami struck immediately, removing Keegan Petersen for 15. Four overs later, Shami bowled Markram with a beauty. In between, India had a bit of a scare when Jasprit Bumrah twisted his ankle and went off the field. 

Mohammad Siraj removed Rassie Van der Dussen for three to reduce South Africa for 4/32. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma rebuilt the innings with a crucial 72-run stand in 134 balls. 

De Kock was looking good for his 34 but Shardul Thakur broke through his stumps to give India a much-needed breakthrough just before the Tea was called. 

Shami struck in the fourth over of the third session, removing Wiaan Mulder for 12. Four overs later, he got the prized wicket of Bavuma, who had just reached his half-century. 

Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jensen added important 37 runs for the eighth wicket and most importantly, played 62 balls to keep India on the field for more time. Shardul - the partnership breaker - trapped Jensen in front to end the partnership. 

Shami & Bumrah wrapped up the final two wickets quickly, despite some fight from Keshav Maharaj - who hit 12 from 19 balls - and gave India a lead of 130 runs. 

Shami picked up the sixth wicket haul of his Test career and also reached 200 test wickets. 

India had to survive six overs but the seamer-friendly pitch was too hot to handle for the openers. Mayank Agarwal got out in the final over of the day, edging one off Marco Jansen. 

Shardul Thakur and KL Rahul will come out to bat on day 4 with a lead of 146 runs on the board. 

Brief Scorecard: 

India - 327/10 & 16/1
South Africa - 197