SA faces deafeat on disintegrating pitch

South Africa's Dean Elgar plays a shot during the second day of their third test cricket match against India in Nagpur, India, November 26, 2015. REUTERS/Amit Dave

South Africa's Dean Elgar plays a shot during the second day of their third test cricket match against India in Nagpur, India, November 26, 2015. REUTERS/Amit Dave

Published Nov 26, 2015

Share

Nagpur - South Africa were left facing defeat as they reached 32/2, still needing another 278 runs to win, at the close of play on day two of the third Test against India, in Nagpur, on Thursday.

South Africa were bowled out earlier in the day for 79 in reply to India’s 215 in the first innings.

JP Duminy top-scored for the Proteas with 35.

In all 20 wickets fell on the day on a pitch which was tailor-made for the Indian attack.

The hosts came in to bat again and were dismissed for 173 by South Africa. Imran Tahir was the leading wicket-taker for the visitors with 5/50.

Morne Morkel was also successful on the disintegrating pitch as he claimed figures of 3/19 in 10 overs.

Set 310 runs to win, Stiaan van Zyl (5) and nightwatchman Imran Tahir (8) were the South African wickets to fall before play was called. Opener Dean Elgar (10) and captain Hashim Amla (3) were unbeaten.

The playing surface has stolen the headlines for the second time in the series, with not a single batsman reaching the 50 mark in the three completed innings.

Morkel, in particular, adjusted his length and approach drastically to be more successful on the spin-friendly pitch. The lanky fast bowler lowered his pace significantly and sent down a number of scrambled seam deliveries in the Indian second innings which reaped rewards.

India lead the four-match series 1-0 and can seal the series win on Friday.

African News Agency

Related Topics: