Virat Kohli guided India to 100-4 at lunch on day three at the Wanderers.
The pitch at the Wanderers is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Early on day three, the umpires were seen chatting to captains Faf du Plessis and Kohli about the state of the track. The officials were clearly concerned after several deliveries had bounced sharply off a length and cannoned into the body of the batsman.
It remains to be seen if this game will produce a result. The umpires and the captains may eventually decide that the pitch is too dangerous to continue.
For now, India remain in control.
Kohli and Murali Vijay did well to combat the Proteas fast bowlers in extreme conditions. After losing two early wickets, the visitors stretched their lead to 93.
The hosts needed an early breakthrough to remain in the contest. Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel forced the batsmen to play during the initial stages of the session, and obtained some reward.
Lokesh Rahul fell to Philander, and then Cheteshwar Pujara to Morkel. Both men were caught by Du Plessis at second slip.
Vijay and Kohli survived a particularly testing period leading up to the drinks break. Thereafter, Kohli took the fight to the bowlers. The visitors started to build some momentum.
Kagiso Rabada struck at the end of the session to give the Proteas some hope. A full delivery made a mess of Vijay’s stumps and brought an end to a 43-run partnership.
The hosts will be looking to wrap this innings up as soon as possible after the break. As things stand, India are still in a strong position with Kohli at the crease and six wickets in hand.
India 187 (1st innings) – Virat Kohli 54, Cheteshwar Pujara 50, Kagiso Rabada 3-39, Andile Phehlukwayo 2-25
SA 194 (1st innings) – Hashim Amla 61, Vernon Philander 35, Jasprit Bumrah 5-54, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-44
India 100-4 (2nd innings) – Virat Kohli 27 not out, Vernon Philander 2-21, Morne Morkel 1-13
India lead by 93 runs
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
