SA vs IND, 3rd Test Day 3: India restrict South Africa to 17-1 at stumps
Johannesburg: The third day of the third Test match between South Africa and India came to an unfortunate end following a blow which Dean Elgar suffered on his head, when South Africa were 17-1.
Elgar suffered a blow to his head on Friday after a short-pitched delivery by Jasprit Bumrah got Elgar into trouble.
Following this, the players of both teams walked off the field and the play was halted.
Soon after, rain made its entrance and so did the covers on the field. Not much later, it was confirmed that it would be stumps, and no more play would be possible for the day.
South Africa 5-1 from 2 overs
WICKET! Mohammed Shami removes Aiden Markram, courtesy a catch by Parthiv Patel.
India 2nd innings
India were bowled out for 247 in their second innings setting up a target of 241 for hosts South Africa to win the third Test here on Friday.
After losing Ajinkya Rahane for 48, the lower order showed a great fightback, with Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar contributing 27 and 33 respectively.
For South Africa, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel finished with three wickets each, whereas Lungi Ngidi also got a wicket.
India 240-9 from 77.2 overs
WICKET! Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been dismissed after a well-played innings of 33, as Morne Morkel gets his third wicket.
India 238-8 from 74.4 overs
WICKET! Mohammed Shami's cameo of 27 has come to an end, as Lungi Ngidi gets his first wicket in this innings.
India 203-7 from 67.3 overs
WICKET! Quinton de Kock continues his good job behind the wickets, as Ajinkya Rahane departs for 48, courtesy Morne Morkel's wicket.
Tea break report
India bounced back in the second session on day three of the third Test against South Africa on Friday, heading to tea break at 199-6. India’s lead is now 192 runs.
However, the major blow for the visitors was the departure of Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for 41 by Kagiso Rabada.
Hardik Pandya was the next to depart after scoring just four runs, as it was Rabada yet again who did the damage.
However, following this, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ajinkya Rahane put up a 51-run partnership to take the visitors back in the game.
Rabada has three wickets to his name, whereas Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander have taken one and two wickets respectively.
India 100-4 in 40.5 overs:
WICKET! Oh dear! India have lost Murali Vijay right at the stroke of the lunch. Kagiso Rabada bowls a toe-crusher and Vijay is done in. Inside edge and onto the stumps. This was the final over of the session and just when it looked that India were in control, South Africa have pulled the things back.
India are 57-3 in 22 overs
WICKET! Morne Morkel strikes as Cheteshwar Pujara departs, India lose third wicket. Proteas on top as they strike twice. First Rahul and now Pujara both caught in slips by Faf du Plessis.
WICKET | C du Plessis B Morkel
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 26, 2018
India 57/3 lead now at 50 runs#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/HpoeAaR9gt
India are 51-2 in 19 overs
WICKET! Early setback for India, KL Rahul dismissed by Vernon Philander for 16 runs. Rahul pushes at ball outside off stump. The ball takes edge and goes to Faf du Plessis at second slip.
WICKET | Philander gets the wicket of Rahul 16 who's caught by du Plessis at second slip. India 51/2. Pujara is the next batsman for India. #SAvIND #FreedomSeries #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/G3qN8tWEcZ
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 26, 2018
Preview: After Jasprit Bumrah’s maiden five-wicket haul helped
Rahul and Vijay ensured that there was no further loss of wicket, the two put on unbeaten 32-run stand at stumps on Day 2 on Thursday.
The wicket has helped the bowlers so far and the onus will be on the Indian batsman to put up a challenging total against the formidable South African attack on a track that has been bowlers' best friend.