South Africa vs India 2018, 3rd Test, Day 4 - 5 things we learnt from the day
Grilled, bruised and battered, Dean Elgar remained unbeaten at one end as India ran through South Africa's batting line-up post tea on day 4 to register their first win in the series. Amidst all the pitch controversy, Hashim Amla and Dean Elgar made batting look very easy on a track slightly better owing to overnight rains and a heavy roller.
The duo put on a 119 run partnership that seemed to be leading South Africa to a whitewash but India had other ideas. Once they broke the pair, wickets came in heaps and before you knew it, poor Dean Elgar was stuck with the tail. They were bowled out for 177, losing their last nine wickets for a meagre 53 runs.
#5 Dean Elgar copes blows, brings out his fight
Dean Elgar is a steely character. When Graeme Smith retired, South Africa needed an opener who could douse the fire at the top and Elgar seemed like a perfect fit. He was ugly in technique and more often than not appeared a sitting duck. But to dismiss him bowlers had to toil hard. Plus, he made the tough runs when it was needed of him.
On Saturday, he stuck to his guns, bore more blows on his body and fought. He and Amla not only put out the fire but also took the fight to the Indians, threatening to chase down a humongous target on a tricky wicket. Once his partner, Amla, departed, Elgar ran out of colleagues and carried his bat through the innings.