India build up massive lead
Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane shared what was remarkably the first century partnership of the four-match Test Series against the Proteas to put India firmly in control with an overall lead of 403 runs at the end of the third day’s play at Delhi on Saturday.
Kohli (83 not out, 154 balls, 10 fours) and Rahane who
followed his first innings century with 52 not out (152 balls, 5 fours) put on
an unbroken 133 for the fifth wicket in 49.5 overs.
With two full days to play the only decision Kohli has to make is whether to declare overnight or give him the time he needs to complete his Test century. He certainly has enough time to follow the latter option.
The Proteas had their moments with Morne Morkel at last getting the reward he deserved with two wickets in his first four new ball overs to have India 8/2. There was another double breakthrough to make 57/4 in the 32nd over but even so their overall lead was already an imposing 270 runs.
Thereafter it was a battle of attrition as India scored 190/4 in the 81 overs that were possible before bad light made its daily intervention. Morkel took 3/29 in 17 overs while Imran Tahir, who bowled the most overs in the day (21) took the other wicket to fall.
The fact that India could only score at that rate is a clear indication that the current Indian lead is out of the Proteas reach.
They do, however, have the inspiration of previous fourth innings rearguard actions. To finish the tour with a fighting draw is something worth striving for.
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