Ajinkya Rahane scored 46 not out to boost India’s lead to 192 at tea on day three at the Wanderers.
The state of the pitch at the Wanderers has been a big talking point on day three. Many have called for the match to be abandoned after witnessing the uneven, and at times dangerous, bounce.
Fast-bowling great Michael Holding told ESPNCricinfo on Friday that the game should have been called off long ago. After lunch, Rahane was struck on the elbow by a delivery that exploded off a length.
ALSO READ: Holding: Wanderers’ pitch is s**t
Kagiso Rabada got the ball to seam significantly off a crack in the surface and hit Virat Kohli’s off-stump. Four overs later, he took a sharp catch off his own bowling to dismiss Hardik Pandya.
The Proteas then proceeded to let India off the hook. Rahane found some good support in the shape of Bhuvneshwar Kumar – who had frustrated South Africa earlier in the contest with his innings of 30. The pair have already put on 51 runs for the seventh wicket.
South Africa have certainly had their chances to break that stand. Dean Elgar put down Kumar in the gully, much to Morne Morkel’s frustration. Andile Phehlukwayo dropped a regulation catch the very next over. The latter miss allowed Rahane, then on 38, to remain at the crease.
The momentum is with India at present. They will be favourites to set South Africa a target of 220 from here. The hosts may battle to get those runs on a deteriorating pitch.
India 187 (1st innings) – Virat Kohli 54, Cheteshwar Pujara 50, Kagiso Rabada 3-39, Andile Phehlukwayo 2-25
SA 194 (1st innings) – Hashim Amla 61, Vernon Philander 35, Jasprit Bumrah 5-54, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-44
India 199-6 (2nd innings) – Virat Kohli 41, Ajinkya Rahane 46 not out, Kagiso Rabada 3-59, Vernon Philander 2-44
India lead by 192 runs
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
