India build lead towards series shut-out
India held a lead of 403 runs at stumps on day three of the fourth Test in Delhi, and while South Africa managed four wickets, they could not prevent 190 runs from being scored on the day.
India began their second innings when play began, already holding a lead of 213 runs after opting not to enforce the follow-on the night before. While Morne Morkel struck thrice, India rebuilt well as the day progressed.
Virat Kohli was on 83 when bad light stopped play with nine overs to go, while Ajinkya Rahane was on 52, adding to the ton he scored in the first innings. Kohli had survived a dismissal early in his knock, when it was revealed that Imran Tahir had overstepped.
It was a drudging day for the Proteas, who are set to finish this tour without a Test win on the board, a rare occurrence for them. Aside from Morkel's two early strikes, they could not capitalise on India's wobbles.
Morkel removed Murali Vijay for three in the fifth over, and then bowled Rohit Sharma for a golden duck in his next over. This left India on eight for two, and Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan had to rebuild.
They advanced the score into the 50s in a slow morning session, before Pujara was bowled by Tahir just after lunch. He had scored 28, while Dhawan was removed by Morkel, also bowled.
With the score on 57 for four, the visitors would have held some hope of ending the knock quickly, but Kohli and Rahane knuckled down for the rest of the day, and built the highest partnership, and first century stand, of the series.
Kohli's near miss was early in his knock, as he was one five when he was given out caught behind. He was unhappy with the call and indicated for DRS, despite that not being possible in this series, and seemed to demand that the umpire check for no ball.
This check was done, and it showed that Tahir had committed the cardinal spin sin of overstepping, and Kohli was reprieved. Whether he faces censure for his poor language towards the umpire, and clear dissent, remains to be seen.
Latest
-
NewsTributes to an ‘extraordinary player and even better human being’ Andrew Symonds
Symonds died aged 46
-
NewsFormer Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in Queensland car crash
The 46-year-old played over 200 times for Australia across all formats.
-
NewsCricket world reacts to tragic death of ex-Australia player Andrew Symonds
The ‘cult figure’ of the sport was killed in a car-crash on Saturday night.
-
NewsFormer Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in car crash aged 46
Symonds played 26 Tests and 212 limited-overs internationals for his country.
-
NewsJoe Root century checks Lancashire’s victory bid in Roses clash
Jack Leach took an eight-wicket match haul as Somerset claimed victory over neighbours Gloucestershire.
-
NewsSurrey rewrite record books while Lancashire and Northamptonshire take control
Surrey equalled the first-class record for the number of players making half-centuries without passing three figures.
-
NewsBrendon McCullum took England job for challenge of improving ‘rock bottom’ team
The ex-New Zealand skipper should, pending visa approvals, arrive in the UK in time to lead a three-Test series against his home country next month.
-
NewsKeaton Jennings shines as Lancashire dominate Roses rivals Yorkshire
Jennings, Ben Stokes and Haseeb Hameed were all in excellent form with the bat in their respective matches.
-
NewsMichael Atherton believes Brendon McCullum’s appointment could be inspired one
The 40-year-old New Zealander is renowned as one of the sport’s most progressive thinkers.
-
NewsTaking on the world: The Kiwi who played his part in bringing glory to England
Brendon McCullum was the inspiration for England’s 2019 triumph, according to white-ball captain Eoin Morgan.