India and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 are fighting hard for the top spot in the ICC test rankings; the 3rd and deciding test between the two teams is well poised after 3 days and can go either way. South Africa ended the 3rd day at 52 for the loss
of 2 wickets, which gives them a lead of 50 runs with eight 2nd inning wickets in hand.
The day once again belonged to the one and only Sachin Tendulkar who notched up yet another test Hundred to help India get to the South African total. Sachin scored 146 runs as India scored 364 runs in their first innings.
The day began with India at 142 for the loss of two wickets, trailing hosts by 222 runs. Gautham Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar were at the crease. India had lost Virendar Sehwag and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750
in the first session and took the cautious approach due to the morning moisture. Dalye Steyn was looking dangerous but Gambhir and Tendulkar made sure that they did not give him an early wicket.
The two in the middle took the score past 200. The partnership was broken after 176 runs when Gambhir was caught behind off the left arm off spinner Paul Harris. Gautham Gambhir scored 93 runs with 13 boundaries. Next man in was the hero of the 2nd
test, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772, but the stylish right hander could not last long. He was very unfortunate to be run out while backing up at the non striker’s end. Laxman backed up too far as the ball was deflected onto the stumps by Harris. Laxman scored just 15 runs.
Cheteshwar Pujara joined Sachin in the middle, and the two had added just 2 runs when Pujara was caught plum in front of the stumps by Steyn. Pujara scored just 2 runs and India were in a spot of bother at 237 for 5. Captain, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 came in next to help
Sachin rebuild the innings but the former and current captains were together for just 10 runs before Dhoni became the 3rd victim for Steyn as he edged one to the slips.
Sachin finally got some support from the fast emerging all rounder from India, Harbhajan Singh. The off spinner who scored 2 back to back test centuries against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 at home held up one end, while Sachin piled on the runs from the other. Harbhajan
also gave it a go whenever he got a chance and managed to get 40 runs as the two added 76 runs for the 7th wicket.
Harbhajan was the 4th wicket for Steyn as he was caught for 40 runs with 3 fours and 2 sixes. Next man in was left arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan. The right hander also showed some mettle and hung around for a good time. Sachin Tendulkar was the
8th wicket to fall as he was cleaned up by Morne Morker for a well made 146. The Indian team was finally all out for 364 runs and took a 2 run lead over South Africa’s first innings total. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dale-c52110 Steyn was once again the star with the ball and took
5 wickets.
In reply, South Africans began well and the opening pair put on 50 runs for the first wicket. Graeme Smith was the first one to go; he was called out for LBW off Harbhajan Singh for 29 runs. Night watchman, Paul Harris, was also sent back quickly in the
same manner for naught. Hashim Amla was at the crease alongside Alviro Petersen as the Proteas ended the day 50 runs ahead, with 8 wickets in hand.
The 4th day of the 3rd and deciding test promises to be an intriguing one as both teams would be looking to go for the kill, not only to win the 3 match series but also to secure the top spot in the ICC test rankings.
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