Published 17:32 IST, October 12th 2019
India dismiss South Africa for 275, take mammoth 326-run lead to Day 4
India finished Day three on a high and positive note as they bowled out South Africa for 275 runs, carrying a mammoth lead of 326 runs on to Day Four in Pune
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India finished Day three on a high and positive note as they bowled out South Africa for 275 runs, carrying a mammoth lead of 326 runs on to Day Four of the second Test. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four scalps along with Umesh Yadav's three scalps to restrict South Africa from going past 300 runs. Tailenders Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander tried to hold the fort for the Proteas by playing a watchful inning but fell prey to Ravichandran Ashwin, who wrapped up the first innings for the visitors. Keshav Maharaj top-scored for South Africa with 72 runs followed by skipper Faf Du Plessis's 64 and Vernon Philander's 44. India's decision as to whether the follow-on should be enforced or otherwise has not been made yet and be expected to be made before the game commences on Day Four.
India wreak havoc on Proteas batting line-up
Indian bowlers were on the top of their game as they managed to reduce the visitors to half their side before lunch on Day three. With Umesh Yadav and Shami picking up three scalps before closing the play on Day Three, India managed to get nightwatchman Anrich Nortje dismissed early in the first session on Day four. Quinton de Kock and Faf Du Plessis attempted to steady the innings for South Africa but failed to do, as de Kock was dismissed for 31 runs while Faf Du Plessis was dismissed after a gritty 64-run knock. Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander played the patience game to frustrate the Indian bowlers but it was Ashwin who had the last laugh as he wrapped up the Proteas batting in the final over of Day three. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four scalps and conceded 69 runs while Umesh Yadav picked up three scalps for just 37 runs in 13 overs. Ravindra
Jadeja added one wicket to his tally while pacer Mohammad Shami added two to his. It was quite evident that skipper Virat Kohli was using the spinners more than the pacers as the former were given 64 overs as opposed to the latter's 40 overs.
Kagiso Rabada's ugly spat with de Kock
After the first delivery of the 123rd over, Rabada threw the ball to the wicketkeeper, who was probably not aware of the same and thus failed to catch in time. The two batsmen on the crease - Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja - sensed an opportunity to sneak a quick single. Rabada, who was visibly frustrated since the Indian batsmen were on the strong foot, lost his cool and shouted at his teammate for not being alert and giving away a run. de Kock, another senior member of the team was not in any mood to take hear anything from hid bowler and replied to his bowler. The incident did not end there since at the end of the over, they continued the argument and since Rabada was close to the wicketkeeper while fielding, it only increased. Captain Faf de Plessis had to jog over to prevent the situation from running out of hand. South Africa are currently trailing India by 376 runs with two wickets left and are struggling to push forward but a follow on looks inevitable for the Proteas.
Ashwin's dream delivery stuns de Kock
This happened in the 38th over of South Africa's first innings on Day 3. Already having lost half their side, Quinton de Kock was trying his best to keep his team in the contest. However, his stay at the crease came to an end with a dream delivery from Ravichandran Ashwin on the final ball of that over. The off-spinner had bowled a flatter delivery on the middle and off stump line which spun away from the left-hander. De Kock looked to defend the ball on the back foot but the ball went past the outside edge and disturbed the timber. Meanwhile, the ball was also collected by Wriddhiman Saha behind the stumps which left de Kock confused. The Proteas wicket-keeper batsman then asked one of the Indian fielders who had also said that he was out. Replays on the giant screen confirmed that de Kock was clean bowled after which he walked back to the pavilion.
17:07 IST, October 12th 2019