India vs South Africa, Highlights, 3rd Test Day 2 at Ranchi, Full Cricket Score: Proteas reach 9/2 before bad light leads to early stumps

So it’s official now. Umpires have called stumps. Second day in a row where bad light stopped play and resulted in early stumps.

Off they go… It was on the cards actually. Despite the spinners bowling, the light hasn’t been good enough. Yesterday we saw a similar situation when umpires stopped play due to bad light six overs after the tea break. Nevertheless, today there is a strong breeze bowling across the ground and it can take the dark clouds away from us. Both umpires are still on the field and hoping for the light to improve.

Visitors are under the pump!!

When mentally you are not there, state of the pitch just doesn't matter. SA 2 down 8.

— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) October 20, 2019

The debutant Nadeem bowled two overs before the bad light. With 657 wickets to his name across formats, the 30-year old Jharkhand cricketer is presently being regarded as a domestic legend. In fact, since the 2015-16 season, the left-armer has taken 144 wickets in the Ranji Trophy at an astounding average of 23.8 – most by anyone else during the same time-frame.

After 5 overs,South Africa 9/2 ( Zubayr Hamza 0 , Faf du Plessis (C) 1)

Back-to-back maidens for Nadeem. Not giving any room to the batsmen. Bowling to the stumps, some angling in and some skidding through. He’s testing the batsmen, which is always a good thing.  And play is stopped because of bad light.

Two absolute jaffas produced by Shami and Umesh to get rid of the both South African openers within the first twelve balls of this innings. Meanwhile, it is quite gloomy out there and perhaps,the umpires have taken the right call by asking Kohli not to bowl his fast bowlers at this point.

After 4 overs,South Africa 9/2 ( Zubayr Hamza 0 , Faf du Plessis (C) 1)

After Nadeem, Ravindra Jadeja comes on to bowl the fourth over. Starts off with two full-tosses which Faf du Plessis fails to punish. Checks his line and length in the next four balls and concedes no runs.

After 3 overs,South Africa 8/2 ( Zubayr Hamza 0 , Faf du Plessis (C) 0)

Shahbaz Nadeem bowls his first over in Test cricket. Decent one from the left-arm spinner as he bowls a maiden to Zubayr Hamza. The line is accurate and he’s also mixing it up with flighted deliveries and outside off stump balls.

After 2 overs,South Africa 8/2 ( Zubayr Hamza 0 , )

Umesh Yadav takes the new ball and just like Shami, he also picks up a wicket with a ripper. The first five ball were ordinary but comes up with a brilliant bouncer in the final ball to remove the batsman. Just four runs from the over.

South Africa opening stand this series:

14, 4, 2, 0, 4 (Today)*

Quinton de Kock also falls! What a bouncer from Umesh Yadav. De Kock, just like Elgar, was in two minds, whether to go for the shot on the leg side or leave it. He gets a nick and Saha makes no mistake in grabbing the catch. de Kock c W Saha b U Yadav 4(6)

Good timing by Quinton de Kock. Just a push on the off-side and the ball rushes to the boundary line.

After 1 overs,South Africa 4/1 ( Quinton de Kock 0 , Zubayr Hamza 0)

What an eventful first over from Shami! Bowls the first one wide and it goes for four byes. The second one is a ripper to remove Elgar. Beats Zubayr Hamza, the new batsman, with another superb ball. Goes down the leg side for the final ball.

Shami draws first blood! Deal Elgar in two minds as the ball kisses his gloves and carries to the keeper. Elgar c W Saha b Shami 0(2)

South Africa openers Quinton de Kock and Dean Elgar are making their way into the middle. Mohammed Shami will start off the proceedings for India post tea.

Yet another session dominated by India and that Umesh Yadav onslaught has been a confirmation that the hosts are getting an entire session today to bowl at the Proteas. Meanwhile, following the wicket of Rohit, the lower order has contributed 127 crucial runs. It shows the depth of this Indian batting line-up.

After 116.3 overs,India 497/9 ( Shahbaz Nadeem 1 , Mohammed Shami 10)

India declare!

Alright, we have seen the declaration midway into the over. Kohli signalled his players to come back. And that will be Tea as well. India have plenty of runs on the board. Another daunting task begins for SA batsmen on the other side of the break. See you in 20 minutes.

Linde continues. Shami playing some good defensive shot. Gets a single off the second last ball. Nadeem attempts a sweep off the last ball but missed it completely. Linde is looking for his fifth wicket.

After 116 overs,India 496/9 ( Shahbaz Nadeem 1 , Mohammed Shami 9)

Linde continues. Shami playing some good defensive shot. Gets a single off the second last ball. Nadeem attempts a sweep off the last ball but missed it completely. Linde is looking for his fifth wicket.

After 115 overs,India 495/9 ( Shahbaz Nadeem 1 , Mohammed Shami 8)

Shami joins Nadeem in the middle. He too takes on the spinner Piedt. This is the time for the tail-enders to have some fun before they begin serious business with the ball in hand.

SIX! And Shami joins the party, comes down the track to Piedt and dispatches it for a massive six over long on.

After 114 overs,India 482/9 

On a day when Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane displayed the best form of batsmanship, Umesh Yadav has also made himself count with some lusty blows. The last over was the most exciting over of the match. Three sixes and then a wicket.

OUT! Umesh’s innins comes to an end, Linde bowls a gentle off spinner and Umesh gives it a go again, but this time the ball takes the leading edge and flies in the air, Klaasen calls for it and then takes a safe catch. Linde gets his fourth. U Yadav c Klaasen b George Linde 31(10)

SIX! One more, fuller from Linde and Umesh launches into it, smashes it over the bowler’s head for a flat six

SIX! Umesh is on fire, Linde fires it outside the off stump line, Umesh reaches for it and dispatches it over long off fielder for another maximum.

SIXXXXXXXXX! That’s huge, HUGEEEE! Umesh Yadav just having some fun, smashes Linde again on the first ball of the over, that’s three consecutive sixes for Umesh off Linde.

After 113 overs,India 464/8 ( Umesh Yadav 13 , Shahbaz Nadeem 0)

Piedt continues. Ashwin takes a single off the first ball and there is a huge cheer as everyone wants to see Umesh batting. On the penultimate ball of the over, Piedt dismisses Ashwin to get his first wicket in the match. He has come good for Proteas to some extent finally.

OUT! That’s the end of Ashwin as well. He reached for the ball and his back leg was slighty out of the crease, he missed to connect the ball, keeper dislodged the bails in time to bring his end in this innings. Ashwin st Klaasen b D Piedt 14(16)

After 112 overs,India 462/7 ( Ravichandran Ashwin 13 , Umesh Yadav 12)

Jadeja reaches his fifty and then gets out on the next ball. Umesh comes in and starts off with two sixes off first two balls. Linde gets three wickets and he has a chance to get a five-for on debut.

SIX! One more from Umesh Yadav, he is not stopping here. Gets a fuller length ball and he smashes this over long on again.

SIX! Umesh Yadav comes to bat, first ball, BANG, he smashes this over long on region for a massive six.

OUT! Jadeja is gone on first ball after scoring his fifty. Break in concentration maybe led to this wicket. Linde bowled an off spinner and it took feather edge off the batsman’s bat to keeper’s glove. Third wicket for Linde. Jadeja c Klaasen b George Linde 51(119)

FIFTY! Jadeja gets to his half-century, had to wait for umpire’s decision to check whether he hit the ball with the bat. And when he was given a green signal, he started his ‘sword’ celebration.

After 111 overs,India 446/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 47 , Ravichandran Ashwin 13)

Piedt continues and he has leaked 8 runs in the over. Was wayward in the over and let Jadeja off his hook by bowling a full toss. Ashwin ended the over with a boundary.

FOUR! Swept away by Ashwin as Piedt pitches it on leg stump line, the ball races away for four to fine leg.

After 110 overs,India 438/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 46 , Ravichandran Ashwin 6)

Jadeja finishes the over with a boundary. That was a typical Jadeja slog sweep, hit at deep mid-wicket boundary. Was a very safe shot and good to see he is not going after every ball but waiting for the bad balls to play his shots.

FOUR! Good shot from Jadeja as he slog sweeps and slog sweeps well to hit Linde for four runs to deep mid-wicket.

After 109 overs,India 431/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 41 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

Another maiden from Piedt. Surprisingly, he is showing the way for Proteas with the ball. Three maidens for him in this spell. Obviously, he did not enjoy bowling to Rohit who took him to the cleaners. But now he looks a much better bowler.

After 108 overs,India 431/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 41 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

There is always that one odd bad ball in Linde’s over which ruins all his hard work. This inconsistency has been a consistent for him. Nine off the over and this will certainly please the Indians.

FOUR! Shorter and quicker from Linder, Jadeja sweeps it to fine leg boundary and collects four

After 107 overs,India 422/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 33 , Ravichandran Ashwin 3)

Good bowling this from Piedt as he continues to target Jadeja’s off stump. It is frustrating the batsman. He is playing it on back foot and if he missed to connect one, it will either hit the stumps or his pads. In both situations, he will be out.

After 106 overs,India 421/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 33 , Ravichandran Ashwin 3)

Linde continues. Both the spinner now looking to bring it in to Jadeja and attack the stumps. Jadeja was frustrated and tried to slow sweep the spinner, missing it completely. The ball was too full for a sweep.

After 105 overs,India 419/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 32 , Ravichandran Ashwin 2)

Dane Piedt into the attack and he has bowled a maiden, his first in the match. He was bowling full and straight, not allowing Jadeja any chance to make room and hit him.

After 104 overs,India 419/6 ( Ravindra Jadeja 32 , Ravichandran Ashwin 2)

Linde has been awarded a wicket for his patience. Saha was looking to be cheeky and play smart cricket to score runs but he has been undone by Linde’s discipline. There is spin available on this pitch. Ashwin is the new man in and he and Jadeja would bat to get India to 500, also get an idea about the pitch as they will be bowling on this one maybe today and definitely tomorrow.

OUT! Saha’s gone, bowled by Linder. Big gap between pad and bat as Saha looked to play it in off side and that was enough for ball to enter between the gap and disturb the stumps. W Saha b George Linde 24(42)

FOUR! Saha’s creativity as he cheekily sweeps Linde the ball to four at fine leg region.

After 103 overs,India 413/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 32 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 20)

Ngidi comes round the wicket to Jadeja. For a moment, it seemed like Klaasen took probably the best take in the innings behind the stumps down the leg stump line as he was airborne trying to collect the ball, but the ball touched his gloves and raced away for four runs to fine leg. 4 byes for India. 6 off the over.

After 102 overs,India 407/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 30 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 20)

Artificial lights are switched on as it is a bit dark in Ranchi. Linde continues and has given just 1 in the over. Is SA now battling time to see when India declare?

Think these two need to get on with the game now. Since Rohit’s wicket, India’s scoring rate has dipped significantly. Ideally another 100 runs on the board should be enough for the hosts on this pitch. And with the weather around in Ranchi, India would like to bowl at least 15-20 overs this evening.

After 101 overs,India 406/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 29 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 20)

A run out chance for Bavuma who was quickly at the ball near the stumps in the off side as Jadeja tapped the ball and ran. Saha was struggling and good for him that Bavuma’s throw did not hit the stumps. Could have been a close call.

FOUR! That’s a lovely shot from Saha, comes forward and drives it through covers off Ngidi and that will give him some confidence.

After 100 overs,India 400/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 28 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 16)

Linde continues. The stand between Saha and Jadeja is now 30. Proteas have bowled well after lunch, can say better than the morning session. Still looking to open the gates to enter the tail.

After 99 overs,India 399/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 28 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 15)

Ngidi back on. It is that time of the day in Ranchi when it begins to get a little dark. The clouds hover over the ground. Hopefully, there is no rain coming our way, interuppting the match.

After 98 overs,India 398/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 28 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 14)

Linde bowls good length and keeps Jadeja guessing. Good over from him. But still he gave away 3 runs. Needs to bowl more maidens here.

After 97 overs,India 395/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 28 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 11)

Nortje continues. Quite clearlt Jadeja looking to play his shots but Nortje has been very good in this over. He is bowling good short ball to him. Proteas know it is Jadeja who will be looking to play the risky strokes and they are bowling at him with a plan.

After 96 overs,India 393/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 26 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 11)

Linde continues. As usual, he bowled a few good overs and then starts to lose his line and length. Seven off the over. Jadeja might start to go big soon.

Like we had seen in the post-Lunch session yesterday, things have started to get a bit murky here. Light is not that great at this point and I can see dark cloud approaching towards us. The forecast is not that great either. Maybe India would like to get some quick runs now.

After 95 overs,India 386/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 22 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 8)

Nortje continues and he is sticking to the right plan. Bowling fuller and inswingers. Saha is hurried on a few occasions. Has not looked in best touch so far. Drinks called.

After 94 overs,India 386/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 22 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 8)

Linde continues. Saha looking a bit hesitant. Seems he does not know how to approach his innings from hereon. Good chance for Proteas to get one more.

After 93 overs,India 383/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 20 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 7)

One more bowling change as Nortje comes into the attack. The last ball was pretty close to the off stump as Jadeja let it pass. Proteas looking a bit energetic after the Rohit wicket.

After 92 overs,India 378/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 17 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 6)

Linde comes into the attack and he straightaway gets a big turn. That second ball turned sharply into Jadeja from over the wicket. Jadeja would not mind that either. Nadeem and Ashwin too have got some happy news.

After 91 overs,India 377/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 17 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 5)

When Rohit and Jadeja were batting, you sensed it that they were looking to go big. Now, after Rohit’s exit, that plan seems to have taken a back seat or the Proteas pacer have ruined it for the moment for India. Rabada and Ngidi giving no scope for two Indian batsmen to open their arms.

After 90 overs,India 375/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 15 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 5)

Ngidi has a wry smile on his face as the edge of Saha’s willow flies through slips. The fast bowler has had a tough outing so far and when he managed to get very close to a wicket, luck denied it for him.

What an innings, Rohit Sharma! This particular knock will definitely give him a head-start in his second innings as a Test cricketer. Five hundreds in the World Cup and now a dream run as a first-time opener in this Test series – 2019 has to be the career defining year for Rohit.

FOUR! Ngidi bowls gives room to Saha, the batsman pushes at it with hard hands and the ball takes the edge and flies through vacant third slip for four runs.

After 89 overs,India 371/5 ( Ravindra Jadeja 15 , Wriddhiman Saha (W) 1)

The pace on the ball got Rohit. He was pulling Ngidi like it was walk in the park. Rabada’s short ball was bowled at good pace. Rohit pulled but he had less time to execute it and eventually it led to his dismissal. But what a knock from India’s new Test opener, who should remain one for a long time hopefully. Rabada meanwhile has picked his 250th FC wicket. Top class bowler, how SA wish he was bowling like this in first two Tests.

OUT! Rohit departs. He reaches his double ton and tries to play the big shot. Attempted a pull against Rabada but there was more pace on the ball and he ended up giving a catch to player at fine leg. He has done his job. Rohit c Lungi Ngidi b Rabada 212(255)

After 88 overs,India 370/4 ( Rohit Sharma 212 , Ravindra Jadeja 15)

What a way to bring up your maiden double hundred. A flat six over deep square leg, playing the shot your are famous for – the pull. The year 2019 will be remembered for Rohit Sharma. Five World Cup hundreds, the South Africa Test series which has potentially changed his Test career for good. Keep them coming, Hitman!

SIX! Pull shot is back again, short ball from Ngidi and Rohit transfers his weight to back foot and pulls it beautifully for a massive six.

Double hundred for Rohit Sharma! 

His first in Tests. Hitman brings it up with a six over deep square leg. Just like Sehwag, who celebrates his 41st birthday today. Take a bow, Rohit!

After 87 overs,India 357/4 ( Rohit Sharma 199 , Ravindra Jadeja 15)

Another maiden. Rabada bowls a quality over. Keeps Jadeja quiet. Proteas need to use this situation to good use and keep Rohit on 199 for some more time.

After 86 overs,India 357/4 ( Rohit Sharma 199 , Ravindra Jadeja 15)

The wait prolongs. Rohit plays a maiden after the lunch. Ngidi bowling tight line to keep the batsman silent. There was a chance on the last ball as Rohit played it to deep point, but Jadeja said no to the single. Was a timely call.

Back from Lunch!
Rohit will look for that one run that takes him to the milestone of double hundred. Let’s see as he faces the first ball after the break.

Imagine what Rohit is feeling going into the Lunch not out at 199. He will be anxious during this break. However, terrific session for India, 133 runs in 27 overs. The hosts have stamped their authority in this Test match, courtesy to some wayward bowling by the Proteas this morning.

After 85 overs,India 357/4 ( Rohit Sharma 199 , Ravindra Jadeja 15)

So Rohit has to wait for his double ton. An eventful over from Rabada. On two occasions, Rohit gets an inside edge but survives. He scores three runs before Jadeja’s boundary in the fifth ball. 

So time for lunch now. Another good session for India.

Pitched up and Jadeja opens the face of the bat for a four in the gully region.

After 84 overs,India 350/4 ( Rohit Sharma 196 , Ravindra Jadeja 11)

Not a good over from Nortje. Starts off by conceding two fours and then bowls one wide down the leg-side. Klasen’s dive saves four byes for South Africa. Two more singles in the over. One more over to go before the lunch break.

Back-to-back fours from Rohit. Not a good start from Nortje who has been given the new ball. Both balls are wide and Rohit makes sure he gets the easy runs.

After 83 overs,India 339/4 ( Rohit Sharma 187 , Ravindra Jadeja 11)

South Africa have taken the new ball and Rabada comes back into the attack. Rohit nearly chops on to the stumps in the third ball. He goes for a glorious cover drive in the fourth but Bavuma’s dive saves the runs. A four to end the over.

Bad ball down on the legs by Rabada and Jadeja flicks it to the boundary line.

Indian openers with 500-plus runs in a Test series:

Vinoo Mankand
Budhi Kunderan
Sunil Gavaskar (5)
Virender Sehwag
Rohit Sharma*

After 82 overs,India 332/4 ( Rohit Sharma 184 , Ravindra Jadeja 7)

No boundaries in the over from Linde. Just two singles. The idea seems to be not taking enough risks till lunch and then the Indians might up the ante after the break.

After 81 overs,India 330/4 ( Rohit Sharma 183 , Ravindra Jadeja 6)

South Africa take the DRS for a LBW appeal. Rohit goes for a slog sweep and misses it. The umpire says no to the appeal and the DRS shows the ball is pitching outside. Two singles from the over apart from the boundary by Rohit.

Wide from Piedt and Rohit punishes it towards extra cover.

After 80 overs,India 323/4 ( Rohit Sharma 179 , Ravindra Jadeja 4)

Linde continues. Jadeja plays four deliveries and gets a single. No run from the last two balls. Good news for South Africa. The new ball is available now.

After 79 overs,India 322/4 ( Rohit Sharma 179 , Ravindra Jadeja 3)

Highest score for Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. He is having no trouble in scoring runs. Be it the singles or fours. He should get the double-century from here. Three singles and a four from Piedt’s over.

Don’t think the demotion of Saha in the batting order is the right move under the circumstances. If you want him to contribute with bat as well, then you need to give him the confidence as a batsman. But pushing him further down the order even when it is unnecessary, will not provide Saha the right message. It’s not that India are looking to declare anytime soon and for that they need some quick runs from Jadeja.

Around the wickets from Piedt and wide of off-stump. Rohit doesn’t miss those chances. Smashes it towards the point boundary.

After 78 overs,India 315/4 ( Rohit Sharma 174 , Ravindra Jadeja 2)

Linde should’ve done better in this over. The job’s not done after removing Rahane. Gives away four easy singles apart from a boundary. So a total of eight runs from the over.

The roughs on the surface are coming into the play now. Though India won’t mind this. Meanwhile, the new ball is due in a few overs time and interestingly Jadeja has been sent ahead of Saha.

Linde offers width on the off-sde and Rohit pounces on it. Cuts away to get his boundary.

After 77 overs,India 307/4 ( Rohit Sharma 168 , Ravindra Jadeja 0)

After conceding 14 runs in his previous over, Piedt returns well to give away just one from this one. A single from Rohit after chipping it away to the mid-wicket.

After 76 overs,India 306/4 ( Rohit Sharma 167 , Ravindra Jadeja 0)

A successful over for South Africa after a long, long time. Linde has been trying hard to generate spin and bounce using the rough on the surface and he finally gets his man. Superb innings from Rahane but he should’ve hung around for a while. Jadeja comes to bat.

Highest stands for India v South Africa in Tests:

317 : Mayank Agarwal/Rohit Sharma, Vizag, 2019
268 : Rahul Dravid/Virender Sehwag, Chennai, 2008
267 : Ajinkya Rahane/Rohit Sharma, Ranchi, 2019*

GONE! A bit of turn and bounce from Linde does it. Rahane tries to push the ball towards the third-man region but gets a nick and a good catch by Klaasen. The partnership is finally broken. Rahane c Klaasen b Linde 115 (192)

After 75 overs,India 306/3 ( Rohit Sharma 167 , Ajinkya Rahane 115)

Another costly over for South Africa. The runs are coming way to easily for India. Both Rahane and Rohit are targetting Piedt and his off-spin. They are finding the boundaries with ease. 14 runs from the over.

One more. Inside out from Rahane this time and there’s no fielder at the deep covers.

Now Rahane comes down the track and smashes it over mid-wicket for a four.

Inside out shot from Rohit against Piedt. Doesn’t get the timing right but still good enough for a four.

After 74 overs,India 292/3 ( Rohit Sharma 162 , Ajinkya Rahane 106)

Decent from Linde. He’s not conceding boundaries but also not doing enough to the stop the singles. Tough to do that considering the field is spread out. Three runs from the over.

250-plus stands for India against South Africa in Tests:

Dravid/Sehwag, Chennai, 2008
Dhoni/Laxman, Kolkata, 2010
Agarwal/Rohit, Vizag, 2019
Rohit/Rahane, Ranchi, 2019*

After 73 overs,India 289/3 ( Rohit Sharma 160 , Ajinkya Rahane 105)

Piedt continues with his spin. Still sticking to bowling around the stumps. After Rahane hits him for a four, the batsman once again comes down the track but fails to connect a push. Fortunately for Rahane, Klaasen misses the stumping chance. A big, big chance goes for a toss.

Rahane charges down the ground against Piedt and hits the ball over the bowler’s head for a four.

Indian openers with two 150-plus scores in a Test series:

Vinoo Mankand v NZ, 1955/56 (Home)
Sunil Gavaskar v WI, 1978/79 (Home)
Sunil Gavaskar v Aus, 1985/86 (Away)
Virender Sehwag v Pak, 2004/05 (Home)
Murali Vijay v Aus, 2012/13 (Home)
Rohit Sharma v SA, 2019/20 (Home)*

After 72 overs,India 284/3 ( Rohit Sharma 159 , Ajinkya Rahane 101)

No significant turn yet on this pitch. Linde is trying hard to stop the flow of runs. Still, Rohit and Rahane manage to squeeze a double and single in the over. Time for drinks on the field.

After 71 overs,India 281/3 ( Rohit Sharma 156 , Ajinkya Rahane 101)

Spin on both the ends now. It’s Piedt’s turn to try and break the partnership. He’s bowling around the wickets to the Indian batsmen. Rohit reads his plans and comes up with a reverse sweep for a four. Three more singles in the over.

After 71 overs,India 281/3 ( Rohit Sharma 156 , Ajinkya Rahane 101)

Spin on both the ends now. It’s Piedt’s turn to try and break the partnership. He’s bowling around the wickets to the Indian batsmen. Rohit reads his plans and comes up with a reverse sweep for a four. Three more singles in the over.

Most centuries for India against South Africa in a Test series:

7, 2019/20 (Home)*
6, 2009/10 (Home)

Is anyone thinking about the number 300 here?

Love the way Rohit Sharma is changing gears while batting. A birthday special for @virendersehwag!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 20, 2019

Wow! A reverse push from Rohit against Piedt and it fetches four runs.

Rohit and Rahane are just enjoying the extra pace of Ngidi and Nortje. Boundaries are flowing here. Poor planning this by the South African think-tank. They are just bowling to the strength of these Indian batsmen. 

Meanwhile, it has been a special knock by Rahane. Following his success in the Caribbean, he was having an average series prior to this innings.Here when he came to bat, his team was tottering at 39/3, the ball was moving around and the Protea pacers were breathing fire. Under those circumstances, Rahane took control of the situation. Feel it was the first hour in the post-Lunch session yesterday, in which he got back his flow with some well-timed boundaries. From there he has never looked back in this innings.

After 70 overs,India 274/3 ( Rohit Sharma 150 , Ajinkya Rahane 100)

South Africa introduce spin. Linde is into the attack. Bowling a bit slow and trying to extract turn. Just one run from the over.

Rahane enjoys SA’s bowling ????

Ajinkya Rahane’s last six against South Africa in Tests:

127, 100*, 15, 27*, 59, 100*

150 for Rohit! What a series it is for the Hitman! All set for a double century here.

After 69 overs,India 273/3 ( Rohit Sharma 149 , Ajinkya Rahane 100)

Things are getting tougher for South Africa. They needed to break the Rohit-Rahane partnership early in the morning but it’s happening at all. Rohit is only getting better with each over. Boundaries to the left, centre and right of the stadium. Six runs from Nortje’s over.

Did You Know?

The last time before today when two Mumbai batsmen scored a century in the same Test innings for India was against Bangladesh at Dhaka in 2007 – Wasim Jaffer and Sachin Tendulkar.

Most centuries for India batting at No.5 in Tests:

16 – Mohammad Azharuddin 

8 – Ajinkya Rahane*

8 – Polly Umrigar 

6 – Sourav Ganguly

6 – VVS Laxman

And Rohit is dealing in boundaries. Slashes hard against Nortje and pierces the gap between point and gully.

That’s it! That’s the century for Rahane. Pushes the ball towards the off-side for a single. 11th Test ton for India vice-captain.

After 68 overs,India 267/3 ( Rohit Sharma 144 , Ajinkya Rahane 99)

Costly over from Ngidi. Rohit smashes him for three boundaries. Ngidi is punished for not sticking to a line. He’s bowling either too wide or down the leg-side. Very uninspiring from the pacer. Meanwhile, Rahane moves to 99.

Another four! No deep third man. Ngidi bowls wide and Rohit pushes the ball in the gap.

Genius from Rohit. Stands tall to a fifth stump delivery and dispatches it to the region between point and covers.

Bad ball on the leg-side by Ngidi and Rohit gets the boundary with a gentle deflection towards fine-leg.

After 67 overs,India 253/3 ( Rohit Sharma 131 , Ajinkya Rahane 98)

Nortje comes back into the attack. Rohit calls Rahane for a risky single and the batsman makes it just on time. Should be careful there considering Rahane is just two runs away from a fantastic century. A double and single from the over.

After 66 overs,India 250/3 ( Rohit Sharma 130 , Ajinkya Rahane 96)

No runs in the first five balls of the Ngidi over but then the pacer gives away a four in the final ball. It’s a bad delivery. Bit short of length and wide from the off-stump. Rahane wastes no time in sending away to the boundary.

The South African pacers are generating some serious pace out of this Day 2 surface. They have tried to come out hard on the Indian batters this morning. In fact, at times they are trying a bit too hard and in this process sacrificed a few easy boundaries to both Rohit and Rahane.

Loose ball on the off-stump and Rahane guides it the past the gully region.

After 65 overs,India 246/3 ( Rohit Sharma 130 , Ajinkya Rahane 92)

Rabada continues for Proteas. Five runs from the over, which includes a single from Rahane apart from the boundary by Rohit. Wondey why Faf removed Nortje and is sticking with Rabada.

Double century stands for India against South Africa for fourth or lower wicket in Tests:

Azharuddin/Tendulkar, Cape Town, 1997 (6th wicket)

Sehwag/Tendulkar, Bloemfontein, 2001 (5th wicket)

Dhoni/Laxman, Kolkata, 2010 (7th wicket)

Jadeja/Kohli, Pune, 2019 (5th wicket)

Rahane/Rohit, Ranchi, 2019* (4th wicket)

Last ball of the over and Rabada messes it up. Bowls on the leg-side and Rohit pushes it to the left of fine-leg fielder to fetch a four.

After 64 overs,India 241/3 ( Rohit Sharma 126 , Ajinkya Rahane 91)

Lungi Ngidi comes into the attack. Just one four from the over thanks to Rohit. He’s sticking to the off-stump line but interestingly, odd balls are keeping low. Maybe South Africa pacers should look to target the stumps more.

Oh lovely from Rohit. A half-pull cum half-leg glance to beat the fine-leg fielder.

After 63 overs,India 237/3 ( Rohit Sharma 122 , Ajinkya Rahane 91)

Rohit takes a good single off the first ball. Pushes to the covers and calls Rahane instantly for a run. Rahane moves into 90s with a good shot on th off-side for a four. Rabada is missing his rhythm. Don’t think it will be a long spell for him in this session,.

Shot from Rahane! A gentle push against Rabada to beat the mid-off fielder. He’s into his 90s.

After 62 overs,India 232/3 ( Rohit Sharma 121 , Ajinkya Rahane 87)

Nortje is also showing some pace. Easily touching the 145km/h mark. Bowls a superb delivery to Rahane in the third ball. Seams away sharply as Rahane smiles after getting beaten. The final ball hits Rahane’s pads and South Africa appeal for a LBW. Umpire says no and replay shows the ball is hitting the leg stump but if reviewed, it would’ve been umpire’s call.

After 61 overs,India 232/3 ( Rohit Sharma 121 , Ajinkya Rahane 87)

Rabada continues. Bowling with pace but not asking too many questions to the batsmen. Rohit and Rahane are watchful and are attacking only the bad balls. Like the last ball from Rabada where he just wavers from his line and Rohit gets a four.

Pitched up y Rabada and Rohit hits past the mid-on fielder. The ball wins the race to the boundary.

After 60 overs,India 228/3 ( Rohit Sharma 117 , Ajinkya Rahane 87)

Anrich Nortje bowls the second over. Starts off with two decent deliveries on the off-stump but then pitches it up for a four. Follows it up with a similar kind of delivery and Rahane drives straight to the covers fielder. Four runs from the over.

Fuller delivery from Anrich Nortje outside off-stump and Rahane comes up with a brilliant cover-drive to get four runs.

After 59 overs,India 224/3 ( Rohit Sharma 117 , Ajinkya Rahane 83)

Decent start by Rabada. Sticking to the off-stump and fourth stump line in the first three balls. The fourth one was on the middle and leg stumps and kept bit low. Rohit does well to bring his bat down. No run from the last ball. So, it’s a maiden.

Almost time for the first ball on Day 2 of the third Test between India and South Africa. Rohit and Rahane are in the middle. Looks like Kagiso Rabada will open the bowling for South Africa.

On couple of occasions in this series we have seen that despite getting wickets with the new ball this South African attack has failed to maintain the pressure as the ball gets older and softer. And these SG balls do get soft quite quickly.

Now the question is, should teams around the world need more practice with the SG ball before coming to India?

In fact, Australia did that back in 2017. Before coming to India they went to Dubai and practiced with the SG balls for few weeks.
Pakistan cricketers practiced with the Dukes ball in Lahore for a month before their last Test tour of England and they are one of the most successful touring Test sides in the UK in recent years.

It’s bright and sunny in Ranchi. The covers are off the field. We will start right on time. There will be some moisture on the surface, which the South African pacers would like to utilise. But with the older and softer ball, they won’t get the kind of movement, which we saw in the first hour of play on Day 1. Meanwhile, Rahane is 17 shy of his 11th Test ton.

Pitch report on Day 2 

“This pitch has played a lot better than it looks. The good areas are still in tact,” says Sanjay Manjrekar.

Sunil Gavaskar said the pitch still looks good for batting on Day 2.

So, good news!

Rohit’s third ton in the series!

Rahane’s gritty fifty!

Nortje’s memorable first day in Test cricket!

Catch key moments from Day 1 of the third Test here .

India batting coach Vikram Rathour on Saturday said that Ajinkya Rahane showed great intent on day one of the third Test match against South Africa. Read the full report here .

Anrich Nortje reckons Proteas were better on Day 1 in Ranchi than previous Test

“I think we were definitely better than previous Test. We, sort of, tried to control the game a little bit better. Unfortunately, we could not get another wicket or two.”

Read more quotes here .

Rohit Sharma’s success as Test opener is down to mental adjustments, believes batting coach Vikram Rathour

After Rohit Sharma’s third century of the series in Ranchi batting coach Vikram Rathour said, “Somebody of his experience and the kind of cricket he plays, if he starts coming good top of the order, it changes everything for the Indian team, even when you’re touring.”

Click here to know more about Rathour’s thoughts on Rohit.

Weather Update

“There is a possibility of thundershowers and lightning at isolated places in Ranchi. Chances are less by Monday onwards,” an official of the Indian Meteorological Department, Ranchi, said.

Read more here .

Rohit-Rahane show resolve, robustness to ride Rabada wave, steer hosts clear of troubled waters in Ranchi

At 39 for 3, South Africa weren’t just sniffing at an opening. One more wicket, and they would be into India’s lengthy non-specialists that’s when the Mumbai duo of Rohit and Rahane both capable of magic and mastery in equal measure – joined forces. Read Yash Jha’s take on superb partnership between Rohit and Rahane,

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the second day of the third Test between India and South Africa at the JSCA Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane starred for India with unbeaten knocks of 117 and 83 respectively as the hosts posted a total of 224/3 on the board. While bad light followed by rain led to an early close of play on Day 1, Rohit and Rahane will look to build on India’s ascendancy against the Proteas on Day 2.