A staggering 20 wickets fell on a dramatic second day as India shot out South Africa for a record-low first innings score of 79 before setting the visitors a formidable target of 310
R Ashwin celebrates a wicket with Murali Vijay
Nagpur: If Day One of the third Test brought back memories of Mohali, Day Two had a more intense script in store. Ravichandran Ashwin (5 for 32) and Ravindra Jadeja (4 for 33) combined to shoot South Africa out for 79, helping India take a huge 136-run lead on a difficult surface at the VCA Stadium, Jamtha. India's batsmen then battled to put up 173 on the board, leaving South Africa with a huge 310-run target.
R Ashwin celebrates a wicket with Murali Vijay. Pic/ PTI
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Within the first hour of play, South Africa lost five wickets for 54 runs. Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers fell within the space of three overs, with the Proteas reduced to 12 for five. Such was Ashwin and Jadeja's dominance that Amit Mishra wasn't used until South Africa had lost eight wickets.
South Africa were all at sea, particularly against Ashwin, who seems to have a psychological edge over them. "Yes, I think it is mental. If you keep getting out to a particular bowler, you feel like you are going to nick one ball off anytime," Ashwin said. JP Duminy fought hard for his 35, as chances kept going India's way. Perhaps the highlight of the innings was Ashwin's carom ball that pitched outside leg, hit Simon Harmer around the pads and crashed into the off-stump.
Tahir gets five
India managed 173 on the increasingly difficult pitch, but some of their batsmen played rash strokes. Virat Kohli holed out to long-off, while Ajinkya Rahane was caught trying to play over the off-side. Not to forget a set Shikhar Dhawan (39), who was dismissed attempting a reverse sweep.
Ashwin said that the batsmen don't have too many scoring options. "I think this wicket is actually something where the batsman needs to plan and come out to bat. The area for scoring is pretty limited," he said. Perhaps, those wickets were lost as they attempted to break the shackles.
For South Africa, Morne Morkel continued to produce the goods, but Imran Tahir stood out as he finished with a five-wicket haul. "Imran Tahir bowled really well today, and Morne Morkel has been outstanding, those are the two standout performers today," said Russell Domingo, the Proteas coach.
South Africa's chase began on a tough note with Stiaan van Zyl falling to Ashwin yet again. Tahir failed as a nightwatchman on the second consecutive evening. South Africa need another 278 to script an unlikely victory.
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