ZCZC
BSP-08
CRICKET-IND-RSA
Du Plessis 50 fails to keep South Africa out of Test trouble
PUNE, India, Oct 12, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis
hit a battling half century but could not stop a steady stream of wickets
falling to India on day three of the second Test on Saturday.
The Proteas were 136 for six at lunch in response to India’s 601-5
declared, with Du Plessis on 52 and Senuran Muthusamy on six. They need
another 266 runs to avoid the follow on.
South Africa resumed on 36-3 and Indian paceman Mohammed Shami struck early
to remove nightwatchman Anrich Nortje for three when the batsman edged a
delivery to Virat Kohli at fourth slip.
Theunis de Bruyn was caught behind off Umesh Yadav for 30 as the tourists
slipped to 53 for five.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock put on a 75-run fourth wicket stand
with du Plessis to offer some resistance to the Indian bowling before
Ravichandran Ashwin’s off spin bowled him for 31 with.
Yadav, who took down the South African openers on day two, claimed three
wickets while Shami took two.
Kohli hit a career-best 254 not out as he surpassed Don Bradman’s Test
tally of 6,996 runs on Friday to consolidate India’s stronghold after they
elected to bat first.
A victory for India, who won the first of the three Tests on Sunday, will
see them beat the record of 10 straight home series wins they share with
Australia.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1247 hrs