South Africa vs India 2018: 2nd Test, Day 3, 5 things we learnt from the day
A majestic 153 from Virat Kohli and a counter-attacking 38 from Ravichandran Ashwin provided India with a much-needed morale boost and helped them reduce the first innings deficit. Ashwin and Kohli survived a rip-roaring spell from Kagiso Rabada in the scorching heat but couldn't quite carry on after the new ball was taken.
Jasprit Bumrah plucked out two in no time as South Africa stumbled to 3/2 and Ashwin's sharp turn and bounce proved to be too much for Dean Elgar, who appeared clueless against the off-spinner. But any doubts about India staging a spectacular comeback was dispelled when de Villiers, in his own very special way, flayed the bowlers to help South Africa to 90/2 at stumps on Day 3.
#5 Lousy running costs India
It was a test by fire for Hardik Pandya. They needed the all-rounder to stay put with Virat Kohli on Day 3 and stitch together a fine partnership. As the Indian skipper looked in fabulous touch from the word go, Pandya played the supporting role to perfection until a moment of madness saw his swagger wane off.
He pushed the ball to mid-on and took off for a single only to be denied by Kohli. The Baroda all-rounder, who was electrifying in the field, then casually strolled back to the crease as Vernon Philander took aim and threw the stumps down. Although it seemed like Pandya had made his ground in real-time, replays showed that he hadn't ground his bat and the schoolboy error resulted in a bonus wicket for the Proteas.