SA v IND 2018: 3rd Test, Day 3 – India on top as umpires intervene for pitch condition in SA’s chase of 241

Virat Kohli, Rahane, Bhuvneshwar and Shami frustrated Proteas bowling with their bat on an uneven pitch.

Dean Elgar cops one on the hand | Getty

Team India started the day3 on their overnight score of 49/1.

Though Morkel and Philander removed Pujara (1) and Rahul (16) respectively, Virat Kohli (41) and M Vijay (25) added 43 runs for the 4th wicket. Kohli then added 34 runs with Rahane, before an in swinger from Rabada demolished his off stump. Rahane (48 off 68 balls) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar then added 55 runs together, which took the game out of South Africa’s hands. The duo frustrated the Proteas bowlers, as they took them on. Rahane fell to Morkel delivery that rose on him.

Bhuvneshwar (33) and Shami (27 in 28 balls with 2 sixes) added 35 runs, before Shami hit one to De Villiers off Ngidi and Bhuvneshwar edged on to De Kock off Morkel. Philander then removed Bumrah to end the Indian innings at 247. India ended up with a big lead of 240 runs in the context of the match.

Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave it back to the South African bowlers | Getty

Philander (3/61), Rabada (3/69) and Morkel (3/47) were the major wicket takers from South African bowling lineup.

South Africa had to chase 241 on a treacherous pitch with uneven bounce and lost Markram for 4 runs as Shami got him to edge to Parthiv. However, a short pitch delivery from Bumrah hit Elgar, who was making batting look fatal on a pitch, where Indian batting toughed it out.

Umpires intervened and took the players off the field and both the captains went into the match referees room to discuss the pitch. Commentators discussed the issue with their viewpoint and called that though the pitch was uneven and dangerous, this incident of Elgar getting hit off a short pitched ball shouldn’t be the reason for the match to be called off totally.

BRIEF SCORES:

INDIA 187 & 247 (A RAHANE 48, V KOHLI 41; M MORKEL 3/47) AND SOUTH AFRICA 194 & 17/1 (M SHAMI 1/7)
South Africa require another 224 runs with 9 wickets remaining

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 26 Jan, 2018

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