MOHALI: After receiving controversial remarks on the first day of the first Test at Mohali, the pitch has finally shown some viability in the ongoing Ind vs SA match at Mohali. India lead by 142 runs at the end of the Day 2 in the first Test against South Africa, with eight wickets in hand.
Though the Indian team is in a good position in their second innings, the morning session of Day 3 plays a vital role. It is the credibility of the batsmen in the morning session that determines the final target that India may set for South Africa to chase.
In the absence of Dale Steyn with a groin strain, Philander stepped in for South Africa and successfully removed opener Dhawan cheaply for the second time in the first Test. The form of the left handed batsmen is in question as he had failed to click since the start of the limited overs series against South Africa.
Earlier on Day 2, South Africa’s Amla and Elgar fought well in the first hour of their first innings. The scenario changed when the skipper Virat Kohli brought in his best bowlers Ashwin and Jadeja from both the ends. South Africa have lost three wickets before the Lunch break making Ashwin to reach his record of 150 Test wickets.
AB de villiers was the only batsman who had survived long at the crease scoring 63 runs, before getting bowled by Amit Mishra. South Africa were all out for a total of 184 in their fist, giving India a lead of 18 runs, the Cricbuzz reported.
The likes of Pujara and Kohli, who opens the Indian innings on Day 3 determines the result of the match. Currently Pujara(63) and Kohli(11) are batting at the crease with a team total of 125/2, leading South Africa by 142 runs.