After Day 2, the pitch has slightly leveled the fight between South Africa and India. South Africa’s first innings finished on 229 runs with a lead of 27. Currently, the Indians are batting in their second innings and are two wickets down with a 58-run lead over SA.
Peterson-Bavuma gave SA some edge
A relatively better day for batting than Day 1, South Africa controlled the game for most of the part. Credit to Keegan Peterson and Dean Elgar’s fantastic partnership, which they carried forward from yesterday. Petersen notched a brilliant half-century, with his 62 runs consisting of nine fours.
After Petersen left the crease, South Africa’s white-ball captain, Temba Bavuma, took the reign and started dominating Indian bowlers. In just 60 balls, he completed his half-century before his dismissal. Marco Jansen, who troubled the Indians in the first innings with the ball, added some extra salt to their wounds with the bat. He made sure to give his team a slight edge.
Thakur brings India back into the game
Even though the Indian bowlers troubled the South African batters, the wickets were not coming easy for them. And what was the mantra for India in 2021 when this situation arose? KL Rahul handed the ball to Shardul Thakur, taking a page from Kohli’s book. And boy, did he deliver?
With 7/61 (his best figures in an innings), Thakur singlehandedly brought India into the game. With wickets on every length of his bowling, Thakur proved his effectiveness.
The only thing that was a sore point for Indian bowling might have been Ashwin. The find for a wicket by an Indian spinner since Anil Kumble continues on this pitch.
All eyes on Pujara and Rahane
Indians have lost both of their opening batters. Now they have their most experienced duo, who are currently going through the worst form of their career, on the crease. A thing for assurance for Indians, if there is from this duo.
While they played with an aggressive intent only Day 3 will tell how long it will last. Therefore, Day 3 will be an actual Test of these two Titans because not only is the match at stake, but their career is indeed on the line for them.
What’s in it for Day 3?
A lead over 40-50 would have put Proteas in a commanding position; still, they are in a decent place and can steal the game from here. Over the two days, one thing was pretty clear that South African bowlers can extract more juice than their Indian counterparts, which may hold on Day 3 as well. If the weather Gods show mercy to the game tomorrow, we might get a result by Day 4, with equal chances of tides turning on either side.