After a near perfect start to the series on Day 1, the Indian batting unit suffered a massive collapse in the first session of Day 3. After rain ensured there was no action on Day 2, there was an expectation that India will look to accelerate their scoring rate but instead, they lost wickets in a hurry
Ultimately, the visitors were bowled out for just 327 after starting the day’s play at a formidable position of 272-3. After centurion KL Rahul and Akinkya Rahane were dismissed in quick succession, the Indian lower order failed to get any significant contribution.
In fact, apart from Jasprit Bumrah’s knock of 14, none of the batters who walked out to bat on Day 3 got even more than ten runs. With India playing the five bowler combination, there was hope that Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Shardul Thakur will help with handy contributions but each of them was dismissed for single-figure scores.
India’s collapse left the cricket fraternity disappointed and they expressed their frustration with Virat Kohli & Co.’s repeated batting collapses in overseas conditions.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was critical of the team and wrote, “Almost every Test innings has a collapse these days. Change the venue. Change the teams. Change the colour of the ball. Same story everywhere…almost every time.”
Despite the collapse, it was a strong performance from Indians in the first innings of the series. After winning the toss batting first, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal gave the visitors a strong start with a 117-run opening stand. Rahul ended up making 123 while Agarwal scored 60.
Indian bowlers have given Kohli & Co. a dream start as South Africa find themselves at 33-4 after 15 overs. Mohammed Shami has taken two while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have taken one wicket each.
