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South Africa’s Temba Bavuma played the captain’s knock on Day 3. His half-century, accompanied by Corbin Bosch’s valuable contribution helped the Proteas set a stiff target of 124 on a deteriorating track at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Starting at an overnight score of 93/7, Bavuma and Bosch were cautious. Then, they capitalised on stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant not introducing Jasprit Bumrah earlier. Bosch employed sweeps and reverse sweeps against spinners. He hit a six off Kuldeep Yadav to take the lead to 100. In the 48th over, Bumrah got the breakthrough by knocking over Bosch. He contributed with a 37-ball 25 in the 44-run partnership.
Siraj’s double strike after Bavuma’s gritty fifty
In Bumrah's next over, Bavuma got to his fifty from 122 deliveries, his 26th in Tests. After the drinks break, Mohammed Siraj was introduced into the attack. He did not take much time to clean up the tail. First, he broke the off stump to get the better of Simon Harmer. Then, he bowled a yorker to Keshav Maharaj to trap him in front of stumps. South Africa were bowled out for 153 in 54 overs. Bavuma remained stranded on one end with 55 off 136 balls.
No Gill in run chase for India
It may not be an easy task for India to chase down the target of 124 considering how the pitch is behaving. Also, they won’t have the services of their captain Shubman Gill who has been ruled out the remainder of first Test owing to neck stiffness. He has been hospitalised and currently being monitored by the BCCI’s medical team as well.
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