India vs SA, 3rd Test Day 2: Records, key takeaways
India finished on top, courtesy amazing knocks by Ajinkya Rahane (115) and Rohit Sharma (212), on Day 2 of the third Test against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. As a result, India have managed to post a competitive total of 497, as they are in the driver's seat, for now. Meanwhile, we take a look at the records and takeaways from today's play.
Rahane scripts numerous records with his 11th Test century
Below are some of the records scripted by Rahane following his 11th Test century: He has scored the second-most Test centuries for India batting at number five (8). He scripted a record fourth-wicket partnership, along with Rohit, for India against Proteas in the format (267). He has also been involved in most 200+ stands for the fourth wicket for India in Tests (5).
Records scripted in abundance as Rohit knocks maiden Test 200
Following are some of the records Rohit scripted with his maiden Test 200: He is now the fourth batsman to score 200 in both Tests and ODIs. He is also the first Indian to score a Test double century with a six. Rohit now averages 99.84 at home in Tests, which is more than Sir Don Bradman (98.22).
Umesh Yadav scripts highest 10-ball innings strike-rate in Test history
One of the interesting segments of the day was when Umesh Yadav came out to bat following the dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja (51). He went berserk as he smashed a 10-ball 31, and in the process, he scripted a unique record, as he now holds the best strike-rate, of 310, in a 10-ball innings in Test history.
Umesh joins a unique list with sixes
India smash most sixes in a Test series
Team India continued its splendid run in the series, and courtesy of the batsmen, they have now hit the most sixes (47) in a Test series. The previous record for the same was held by Aussies, who smashed 40, against England in 2013-14.
Indian bowlers pile pressure on Proteas top-order
In a notable observation, the Indian bowlers came up with a smart strategy to bowl short balls to the South African openers. While the South Africans avoided doing so during the Indian innings, it worked for the Indian bowlers, as openers Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock were dismissed cheaply for a duck and four, respectively. Who said India rely mostly on their spinners!
How did the day pan out?
Resuming on 224/3, Rahane and Rohit began right from where they had left off on Day 1. In the process, both scored their century and double hundred, respectively, while Jadeja too scored a fine half-century, as Umesh's 31 allowed India to declare at 497/9. Umesh and Mohammed Shami sent the Proteas opener packing before bad light halted play, as Proteas are at 9/2.
