India vs SA, 2nd Test: Key takeaways from Day 3
The Indian cricket team is well on top against South Africa in the ongoing second Test in Pune. The Proteas, who were reeling at 162/8, managed 275/10 at stumps on Day 3. Keshav Maharaj (72) and Vernon Philander (44*) added a crucial 109-run stand for the ninth wicket. However, India still lead by 326 runs. Here are the key takeaways.
How did Day 3 pan out?
South Africa lost two quick wickets in the morning and were reeling at 53/5 and were in a spot of bother. However, Faf du Plessis (64) and Quinton de Kock (30) added a 75-run stand. R Ashwin got both their wickets to cause issues. Maharaj and Philander nullified the Indian bowling post that with a gritty show. Ashwin picked two more to help India.
Maharaj and Philander frustrate the Indian bowlers
South Africa's Maharaj and Philander were top notch. They played with a clear head and showed so much of character. Credit to them for keeping their calm and not getting too ahead of themselves. The two showed the top order order how to go about the batting. They consumed crucial time and delayed the show. The approach frustrated the Indian bowlers.
Indian bowlers wayward when SA showed some teeth
Indian bowlers started the day in a terrific fashion and the likes of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav ran in hard. However, things became difficult when Faf and De Kock played some good cricket. And then they tried too hard when Maharaj and Philander were in control. There were too many short stuff and varied lengths. Ishant Sharma was off the mark.
Four-star Ashwin the bright spark for India
Ashwin was superb for India and got the crucial scalps in pivotal moments. He surprised De Kock with a ripper and also drew Faf to play a forward defensive shot, who managed to edge the ball. Ashwin was once again the chief architect and claimed Maharaj's wicket to break the stand. These three wickets were important as Ashwin ended with figures of 4/69.
