During the third day of the opening Test between India and South Africa in Centurion, Dean Elgar‘s formidable innings of 185, accompanied by Marco Jansen’s resilient 72 not out, posed a significant threat to the Indian team. Elgar, nearing his maiden double century, fell victim to Shardul Thakur’s delivery, but Jansen continued to challenge the dispirited Indian bowlers.
The partnership between Elgar and Jansen, contributing 111 runs for the sixth wicket, intensified South Africa’s lead to 147 runs, placing a daunting challenge before the Indian batsmen. However, amidst the intense gameplay, a potential controversy was averted thanks to R Ashwin. He cautioned Jansen for backing up too far during the 98th over of South Africa’s innings, a moment captured in images that quickly went viral.
Watch the Post Here:
A warning by Ashwin as Jansen trying to back too much. 😂#SAvIND #TheCricketTV pic.twitter.com/PGZXjt2Yzs
— The Cricket TV (@thecrickettvX) December 28, 2023
Despite the sun beating down and challenging conditions for the Indian bowlers, Ashwin maintained his reputation with figures of 1/41 in 18 overs. Unfortunately, the rest of the Indian bowling attack struggled, with Thakur (1/101 in 19 overs) and Prasidh Krishna (1/92 in 19 overs) being ineffective and easily punished by Elgar and Jansen.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj displayed skillful bowling, repeatedly beating the bat of the South African duo, but luck eluded them. Prasidh, brought into the squad for extra pace off the surface, failed to deliver, consistently bowling length balls, and faced punishment, including being dispatched into the stands by Gerald Coetzee.
Thakur, attempting a short ball tactic, found himself outpaced by Jansen. The disappointing performance of the Prasidh-Shardul duo, conceding nearly 200 runs in less than 40 overs, severely compromised India’s chances of redemption. Despite Ashwin’s commendable effort, the Proteas asserted dominance, leaving India with a formidable task to salvage the game on a track demanding resilient bowling.
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