AB de Villiers could bat India out of the game and ultimately the series on day four at Centurion.
India produced a spirited display with the bat – Virat Kohli produced a sublime knock of 153 – and ball – Jasprit Bumrah claimed two early wickets – on day three. And yet, it is the Proteas who will go into day four with their noses in front.
De Villiers (50 not out) and Dean Elgar (36 not out) will be at the crease when play resumes and thanks to these two, who have already amassed 87 runs for the third-wicket, the Proteas remain on course for a significant second-innings total.
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The job is far from done though as the Proteas currently enjoy a 118-run lead, meaning De Villiers and company have to ensure that they build on that platform in order to set India a target in the region of 300.
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India, though, aren’t out of the contest just yet as the Proteas batsmen were forced to deal with some variable bounce late on day three, and the pitch is expected to deteriorate on days four and five.
Ravi Ashwin in particular could have a game-shaping role to play in the first session and his battle with De Villiers, who may look to take the off-spinner on, promises to be an entertaining one.
SA 335 (1st innings) – Aiden Markram 94, Hashim Amla 82, Ravi Ashwin 4-113, Ishant Sharma 3-46
India 307 (1st innings) – Virat Kohli 153, Murali Vijay 46, Morne Morkel 4-60, Vernon Philander 1-46
SA 90-2 (2nd innings) –AB de Villiers 50 not out, Dean Elgar 36 not out, Jasprit Bumrah 2-30
South Africa lead by 118 runs
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
