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India vs South Africa, 3rd Test, Day 3 at Johannesburg, latest update: Elgar’s four and a six off the previous over leave Ngidi to face Shami in the latter’s 13th over, with Shami completing a memorable five-wicket haul by getting the tail-ender caught behind off the third delivery of the over. Not that the umpire gives it out straightaway — with Kohli successfully overturning it by going for the review. India maintain their unbeaten run at the Wanderers by notching up their second win at the venue. Spare a thought for Elgar, who carried his bat throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on 86. Shami, on the other hand, once again shines in the second innings of a match, and is now a serious contender for the ‘Man of the Match’ award. Day 3 Report: South Africa reached 17/1 after play was called off with the condition of the pitch being discussed on the third day on Friday here after India set-up a target of 241 for the hosts to win the third and final Test. Due to the odd and uneven bounce, play was called off as both the captains, India’s Virat Kohli and South Africa’s Faf du Plessis discussed the issue with match referee Andy Pyrcroft with close to 30 minutes left on the day’s play at the New Wanderers Stadium. The field umpires discussed the issue more than five times during the day, even during the Indian innings of 247 all out, with cracks appearing on the surface. On a few occasions the ball apparently kept low. [caption id=“attachment_4320385” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, captain of India and South Africa respectively. Reuters[/caption] The umpires, however, discussed the matter with much more seriousness when South African left-arm opening batsman Dean Elgar (11 batting) was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. But it was a short delivery and climbed up to an usual height. But some of the back of length deliveries got odd bounce and struck on the bodies of the visiting and home batsmen. It will be up to the match officials whether to continue playing on the pitch or call off the match terming the pitch ‘dangerous’. Hashim Amla (2 batting) and Elgar were at the pitch for the hosts, who lost the opening wicket of Aiden Markram (4) who edged a bouncer from Mohammed Shami behind. Earlier in the day, India put up a gutsy show with the bat before being bowled out for 247. Ajinkya Rahane (48), Virat Kohli (41) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (33) were the key contributors for India, who have already lost the first two matches. South African pacers Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada picked up three wickets each. Resuming the day at 49/1, India had a torrid start, losing Lokesh Rahul (16) and Cheteshwar Pujara (1) early to be reduced to 57/3. Rahul failed to add to his overnight score as he chased an away-moving ball from paceman Vernon Philander, only managing an edge which landed in the hands of Faf du Plessis at second slip. Pujara (1) too fell soon, edging a good length delivery from pacer Morne Morkel to du Plessis. Kohli then joined hands with overnight batsman Murali Vijay (25) as the pair looked to weather the storm on a lively wicket. Kohli, at the personal score of four, gave a difficult chance for the hosts to pick up the fourth wicket. He flicked Morkel straight into the hands of short leg fielder Aiden Markram, who was not quick enough to pouch it. Later, Kohli showed his quality, playing with a straight bat and not fearing to go for the drives. Vijay, at the other end, was resolute, backing his defensive technique to the hilt. It seemed that the partnership between Vijay and Kohli will see off the morning session. But Vijay saw his stumps dismantled by a yorker from Kagiso Rabada as India reached 100 for four at lunch. Rahane, who was dropped in the initial two Tests raising questions on the Indian team selection, shone bright in the second session, while Kohli perished for 41. Rabada produced a back of length delivery which ended up hitting Kohli’s off stump. Hardik Pandya (4) had himself to blame for a poor shot selection off a length delivery which ended back into the safe arms of Rabada, as India lost their sixth wicket for 148. Rahane then forged a crucial 55-run stand with Bhuvneshwar for the seventh wicket to take India beyond the 200-run mark. Mumbaikar Rahane played aggressive cricket, scoring briskly to put the hosts under pressure. He hit six fours out of the 68 deliveries he faced. Rahane, also got a lucky escape in the 60th over when a catch was put down by Andile Phehlukwayo off a delivery from Rabada. However, the partnership was ended by Rahane’ soft dismissal. The right-hander flicked Morkel, only managing an edge to wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock. Among the other tail-enders, Mohammed Shami scored a crucial 27 as India were bowled out for 247 With inputs from IANS
Highlights, India vs South Africa, 3rd Test, Day 4 at Johannesburg, Full Cricket Score: India win by 63 runs; series ends 2-1
Elgar’s four and a six off the previous over leave Ngidi to face Shami in the latter’s 13th over, with Shami completing a memorable five-wicket haul by getting the tail-ender caught behind off the third delivery of the over. Not that the umpire gives it out straightaway — with Kohli successfully overturning it by going for the review. India maintain their unbeaten run at the Wanderers by notching up their second win at the venue. Spare a thought for Elgar, who carried his bat throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on 86. Shami, on the other hand, once again shines in the second innings of a match, and is now a serious contender for the ‘Man of the Match’ award.
 "Highlights, India vs South Africa, 3rd Test, Day 4 at Johannesburg, Full Cricket Score: India win by 63 runs; series ends 2-1")
Dramatic end to what truly was a dramatic Test series between the two top-ranked sides, with India pulling off a memorable 63-run win at the Wanderers — keeping their unbeaten record at the venue intact as a result. While India showed great character and team work in the final Test, it was South Africa who fared better in the crucial moments, and are the deserved winners with a 2-1 series scoreline.
India though, will likely remain on top of the Test rankings with this win, as South Africa would’ve required a clean sweep to reduce the gap ahead of the Australia Test series. A lot to learn for Kohli and his men from the lost war, and Indian fans will certainly hope he emerges a wiser captain from his first-ever series defeat.
It’s time for us to shift our focus to white-ball cricket, with the two top-ranked sides locking horns in the first one-dayer at Durban on 1 February. Given the quality of the two teams, the limited-overs legs surely promise equal action and intensity.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the Man of the Match. He scored 63 runs and took four wickets.
Bhuvneshwar: I am happy. Whenever I get a chance, I try to do well. It came off at the right moment. I enjoy batting when it comes to Tests. I tried to stay for as much as possible and runs came.
Lots to learn for India from this Test series… batsmen need to show more patience, the team selection needs to be consistent and on the money if the chopping/changing is to continue… and they need to arrive early and prepare well before an overseas series… just cannot wing it.
Most importantly though, India know they have the bowling to win matches overseas. Just need the batsmen to back it up. South Africa take series 2-1, but India did play like No 1 Test team.
Lots to learn for India from this Test series… batsmen need to show more patience, the team selection needs to be consistent and on the money if the chopping/changing is to continue… and they need to arrive early and prepare well before an overseas series… just cannot wing it.
Most importantly though, India know they have the bowling to win matches overseas. Just need the batsmen to back it up. South Africa take series 2-1, but India did play like No 1 Test team.
South African openers carrying the bat in Test cricket:
Bernard Tancred (1889)
Billy Zulch (1910)
Trevor Goddard (1957)
Jackie McGlew (1961)
Gary Kirsten (1997)
Dean Elgar (2015 and 2018*)
Shami special today. India's bowlers shone through series picking up all 60 https://t.co/ZVQriIyyRY this Test batsmen came good too which made difference
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 27, 2018
After 73.3 overs,South Africa 177/10 ( Dean Elgar 86 , )
Elgar’s four and a six off the previous over leave Ngidi to face Shami in the latter’s 13th over, with Shami completing a memorable five-wicket haul by getting the tail-ender caught behind off the third delivery of the over. Not that the umpire gives it out straightaway — with Kohli successfully overturning it by going for the review. India maintain their unbeaten run at the Wanderers by notching up their second win at the venue. Spare a thought for Elgar, who carried his bat throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on 86. Shami, on the other hand, once again shines in the second innings of a match, and is now a serious contender for the ‘Man of the Match’ award.
OUT! Ngidi is the last man to be dismissed, and Shami has his five-wicket haul as INDIA WIN THE THIRD TEST BY 63 RUNS! The Indians appeal for a caught-behind, and Kohli opts for the review straightaway. Big spike on snicko confirms the end of the match. Kohli signs off with a dab and some exaggerated emotions! SA 177 all out
Ngidi c Karthik b Shami 4(6)
After 73 overs,South Africa 177/9 ( Dean Elgar 86 , Lungi Ngidi 4)
Elgar decides to change tactics this over. Ditches his plan of collecting singles towards the end of the over — instead collects a four and a six off it to move towards what will be a century to remember. The last shot draws a massive roar from the crowd. It might all be over for the Proteas in this match, but Elgar doesn’t want this to end before he gets to the three-figure mark.
After 72 overs,South Africa 167/9 ( Dean Elgar 76 , Lungi Ngidi 4)
Shami with another shot at completing a five-for. After facing four deliveries, Elgar sets off for the non-striker’s end off the fifth delivery, with Ngidi nearly getting run-out at the opposite end. Pandya, running in from point, actually takes his time in aiming at the stumps, and would’ve got Ngidi out had he hit the stumps. Ngidi finally gets off the mark with a drive down the ground that sends the ball all the way to the straight boundary. Five off the over.
After 71 overs,South Africa 162/9 ( Dean Elgar 75 , Lungi Ngidi 0)
Bhuvneshwar beats Elgar’s edge completely off the fourth delivery of the over. Elgar sets off for a risky single off the fifth, with Ishant nearly running him out at the non-striker’s end. Ngidi survives the last ball of the over. Just one off the over.
After 70 overs,South Africa 161/9 ( Dean Elgar 74 , Lungi Ngidi 0)
Elgar guides the ball towards fine-leg off the fourth delivery of the over, bringing Morkel on strike for the first time in this innings. And Morkel lasts just one delivery, as Shami removes him with a yorker to collect his fourth wicket. Ngidi is the last man in, and survives the last ball of the over.
BOWLED EM! Four wickets for Shami now! Castles Morkel with a yorker! Morkel departs for a golden duck. What a spell this has been for the Bengal pacer, collecting three wickets after returning to the attack in the 68th over! SA 161/9
Morkel b Shami 0(1)
After 69 overs,South Africa 160/8 ( Dean Elgar 73 , )
Elgar collects a double off the second delivery of the over, guiding the ball through cover-point to collect a couple of runs. Gets a single next ball to bring Rabada — who was handy with the bat in the first innings — on strike for the first time in the innings. South Africa are eight down at the end of the over, as Rabada nicks a sharp delivery outside off to Pujara in the slips, resulting in the first wicket of the innings for Bhuvneshwar! Three runs and a wicket off the over, with the Indians steamrolling their way to a memorable win now.
OUT! Collapse on! Rabada edges straight into the hands of Pujara at first slip! First wicket for Bhuvneshwar! SA 160/8
Rabada c Pujara b Bhuvneshwar 0(3)
After 68 overs,South Africa 157/7 ( Dean Elgar 70 , )
Philander collects his first boundary of the innings with a punch towards the extra-cover fence! Two balls later, he chops the ball onto his off stump while looking for a pull, failing to get in line of the delivery while misdjudging the length at the same time. Phehlukwayo walks out to bat, and lasts just three deliveries, with his dismissal being quite similar to that of Philander’s as he ends up getting an inside-edge, with the ball hitting the stumps after deflecting off his foot. Four runs and two wickets off a fiery Shami over!
BOWLED EM! What a spell this is turning out to be for Shami! Second wicket in four deliveries! Fires this one into the batsman at fuller length, with the ball nipping in late on the occasion, and Phehlukwayo gets an inside-edge, with the ball deflecting off his foot onto the stumps! The Indians are on fire right now! SA 157/7
Phehlukwayo b Shami 0(3)
BOWLED EM! Shami strikes for the second time in the innings! Philander misjudges the length of the delivery, and didn’t quite get in line of the delivery to execute the pull, and ends up chopping it onto his stumps! End of Philander’s cameo! SA 157/6
Philander b Shami 10(18)
'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report
Jasprit Bumrah was rested for fifth Test against England at The Oval Workload management was believed to be the reason behind Bumrah's absence The pacer, however, reportedly has a knee injury, a BCCI official claimed in a report.
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