SA vs IND, 1st Test, Day 3 – India in command after 18-wicket day

India walked out with KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane on day three of the Boxing Day Test in Centurion and had plans of establishing a huge total when the sheer collapse kicked off. Starting from 272/3, India got wrapped up on 327 runs in no time during the first session of day three. As soon as Rahul and Rahane went back, the lower middle order had nothing much to offer.

However, in return, Indian bowlers brought their A-game to the table to fold the host nation on 197 runs, which let India have a lead of 130 runs. Mohammed Shami flaunted class and picked a five-for to lead India’s bowling attack. While India batters came back in action, they ended day three by maintaining a lead of 146 runs. Let’s take a look at talking points from day three of SA vs IND game.

Lungi Ngidi’s six-fer triggers India’s collapse

India were standing tall by the end of day one and had a target of taking it long on day three but Ngidi had other plans. He picked up a classy six-for to demolish India in no time on day three where his three wickets came on day one only. His figures became magical as he picked all the crucial wickets including that of Kohli, Pujara, and Rahane.

Jasprit Bumrah’s injury

During India’s bowling, it was in the 11th over when ace pacer Bumrah twisted his ankle in his follow-through and left the field. It was a big worrying sign for India and he went back after giving an early breakthrough to his team. However, visitors breathed a sigh of belief when he returned back and even picked a wicket of Keshav Maharaj to wrap up South Africa’s innings.

Mohammed Shami’s five-for

Mohammed Shami flaunted his ace game on day three of the Boxing Day Test. He started his spell by dismissing Aiden Markram and then, there was no stopping him. He went on to pick five wickets and helped the Virat Kohli-led side to wrap up hosts on 197 runs, while ending India’s day on a high.