The long wait for the 71st international century continues as Virat Kohli went second year in a row without scoring a hundred. After scoring 35 in the first innings, the Indian captain managed only 18 in the second essay.
Kohli chased an away delivery only to nick to South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock, who took a comfortable catch. The incident took place in the first ball after lunch. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar is seemingly not happy with Virat Kohli’s approach.
Marco Jansen bringing the magic on debut🤩 #SAvIND #FreedomTestSeries #BetwayTestSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/7cYIorUwsY
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 29, 2021
Speaking on the official broadcast of Star Sports, Gavaskar said:
“You’ve got to say that was a loose shot, first ball after lunch. Every batsman, when he resumes, gives himself a little time, particularly in Test cricket – gives himself a little time to get his feet moving.”
“Any interval, even if it’s a short four-minute drinks interval, after that you’ve still got to reset your batting. Kohli is such an experienced batsman but maybe at the back of his mind, he is looking to get quick runs, so that the declaration can be done,” the veteran added.
Sunil Gavaskar further added that Virat Kohli could have left the ball considering it was the first delivery after the lunch break.
“Have a look, how far away that ball is. He could have left it well alone, first ball after lunch,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
India take a sizeable lead in the 2nd innings
Beginning the day at 16/1, India didn’t had any notable partnerships but small contributions from the entire middle-order ensured the visitors stretch their lead on a difficult track. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen picked three wickets each while Lungi Ngidi scalped two wickets.
India, who currently lead by 298 runs will look to accumulate some quick runs with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in the middle and post a daunting total for the Proteas to chase.
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