In the ongoing first Test, South Africa has solidified their position by posting a formidable 408 in their first innings and making significant strides by claiming early wickets of India's top-order batsmen Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill. At tea on Thursday, India stood at 62/3 in their second innings, trailing by 101 runs.
Despite a missed opportunity when Aiden Markram dropped a chance from Jaiswal early on, South Africa swiftly took charge. Kagiso Rabada's sensational delivery dislodged Rohit Sharma's off-stump. Jaiswal fell to a rising short ball from Nandre Burger, caught behind after an evasive attempt. Gill exhibited some elegant shots but succumbed to a fuller delivery from Marco Jansen, disrupting his middle stump.
Virat Kohli, currently unbeaten on 18, displayed quality shots but had a slice of luck on his side. Shreyas Iyer, unbeaten on six, survived a scare as Keegan Pietersen dropped his catch at third slip. With India trailing by 101 runs, they heavily rely on Kohli, Iyer, and subsequent batsmen to extend the match into day four.
In the earlier session, Jansen contributed a notable 84 not out, just shy of a Test century, as South Africa wrapped up their first innings at 408. Dean Elgar's impressive 185 anchored their innings, showcasing a blend of precise shots and astute judgment.
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, securing four wickets for 69 runs, while Mohammed Siraj made a brief impact with 2-91. However, the change bowlers, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, were lackluster, allowing South Africa to score freely, marking a disappointing bowling display from the visitors.
South Africa's lead and India's precarious situation set the stage for a crucial period ahead in the Test match, requiring substantial efforts from the Indian batsmen to turn the tide.
(With Agency Inputs)
