sk-logo
hero-image

Who said What: India vs South Africa 4th Test Day Three

Kohli was the star performer on a day when run scoring was difficult

Fifties from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane ensured India finished day three with a lead of 403 in the fourth Test against South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

India, who started their second innings on day three, with a lead of 213, overcame an intial wobble thanks to the assured batting of their skipper, to put the game all but beyond the Proteas.

Two wickets in two balls from Morne Morkel, who got rid of Murali Vijay and Rohit Sharma, who was promoted to No.3, gave the visitors some hope. But Cheteshwar Pujara, along with Kohli took the side safely till lunch.

Although Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan were dismissed soon after the break, Rahane and Kohli steadied the ship, as they remained unbeaten until the close of play. With two full days still to go, it is a case of when India declare, as they look to wrap up a 3-0 win.

Ravindra Jadeja: “You can't tell that this (Kotla track) is a turner. We are bowling with two spinners. They are bowling with four. Ashwin and I have bowled well together. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. Good to bowl in tandem with him.

“Our target in this innings is to bat long, so that, even if they have a partnership (in chase), we can bowl comfortably.”

Kyle Abbott (on his first innings five-wicket haul): “It feels like ages ago but incredibly proud. The conditions have been tough.”

On their chances of taking something from the game: “The longer they bat, the better for us. Lesser overs for us to bat out. I thought they'll have a crack at us tonight. We threw everything at them this morning. They batted incredibly well. 350 was something that we were looking to chase.

“They (Rahane-Kohli) are going at a strike rate of 40. If they were taking some risks, it would have given us a chance.”

On Morkel and Steyn: “I thought Morne was exceptional. He has been the standout for us in the entire series. I've discussed lot of bowling with Steyn. He said that he was always in the game here. It's all about the mindset.”

 

You may also like