India still trailing by 294 runs against South Africa
South Africa put themselves in a position of win with Jacques Kallis? maiden double ton, but Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir led the reply as the hosts made 190 for two in the second innings at close of third day?s play in the first cricket Test here Sunday.
Gambhir (80) and Sehwag (63) gave a solid start with their 137-run stand as India staged a spirited fightback after conceding a mammoth 484-run lead at the Super Sport Park.
But their dismissals left India with eight wickets in hand and two days to survive. They’ll need a batting performance without precedent, and perhaps substantial rain as well.
That India were attempting to avoid an innings defeat so early was because their bowlers were helpless in the morning: unable to make a breakthrough, unable to control the run-rate, unable to do anything to help their cause.
Earlier in the day, AB de Villiers (129) pulverised the attack and scored a hundred in under two hours. South Africa’s lead swelled by 225 runs in 36 overs before lunch and Jacques Kallis (201 not out) reached his maiden double-century soon after the break.
Graeme Smith declared shortly after on 620 for 4 – when de Villiers fell – with a monstrous lead of 484.
India put up a better batting display to reach 190 for two in their second innings when the stumps were drawn, still trailing by 294 runs.
Rahul Dravid was batting on 28 from 48 balls while nightwatchman Ishant Sharma was giving him company on seven to raise hopes of saving the game on a Super Sport Park pitch which has eased out considerably.
