Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli batted India into a position of dominance on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.
Pujara hit his sixth century in only his 16th Test as India piled up 284 for two in their second innings, an overall lead of 320 against a depleted South African bowling attack.
The foundation was laid by Pujara and Murali Vijay (39) during a watchful second wicket stand of 70. Pujara (135 not out) and first innings century-maker Kohli (77 not out) shared an unbeaten third wicket partnership of 191 on a pitch which for the most part has been difficult for batsmen.
But as the South African bowlers wilted the batsmen were able to score freely, adding 175 in 38 overs between tea and the close. Pujara and Kohli are among the new breed of batsmen who are expected to carry the legacy left behind by legends Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.
Pujara’s batting style has often drawn comparisons with Dravid, as he has the ability to wear down bowlers with his patience as his illustrious predecessor.
The 25-year-old did exactly that as he took his time to settle down before cashing in on the weary Proteas attack suffering from the absence of the injured Morne Morkel.
In Morkel’s absence, the Indian batsmen were able to blunt the threat of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, batting with discipline and leaving most deliveries outside the off stump.
South African captain Graeme Smith was forced to juggle an attack in which spin bowlers Imran Tahir and JP Duminy were ineffective, even turning to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers for one over before tea.
Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who earlier took four wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 244 in their first innings, felt India were in a strong position to press for a win against the world champions.
“We just need to stick to our plans by bowling in the right areas,” he said. “There are indentations on the wicket and the cracks are starting to show, so it’s going to help the fast bowlers.”
Sharma gave credit to the batsmen, highlighting the way they had left the ball in building their partnerships.
Pujara was cautious at the start of his innings, taking 127 balls to reach his fifty but he then blossomed, needing only another 41 deliveries to reach his century.
By the close he had faced 221 balls and hit 18 boundaries. Kohli, who made 119 in the first innings, was content to play a secondary role and his 77 was scored off 132 balls with eight fours.
South Africa’s only successes came from Philander and Jacques Kallis, who dismissed Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay respectively. Philander claimed his 100th Test wicket in his 19th Test when he had Dhawan caught at second slip for 15. He reached the 100 wicket mark faster than any other South African, achieving the feat in one Test fewer than teammate Dale Steyn.
He downplayed his achievement. “It is a great feeling,” he said. “But I prepare for each game exactly the same way. Hopefully I can collect a few more sticks for South Africa.”
Philander acknowledged that South Africa faced a massive task if they were to save or win the game. “It’s one of those days. The batsmen played and missed quite a lot early on but they batted very well.
They left well when they came in and they played the spinners very well to make sure the seamers had to come back when they were tired.” Philander said South Africa still believed they could fight their way out of trouble.
“They (India) have played the better cricket up to now. Hopefully we can strike early tomorrow morning and then bat well for a day and a half or a day and three quarters. The guys are quite down now to be honest and losing Morne made a big difference to the bowling unit. But we always believe there is a way out. ”
India’s imposing second innings came after Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma finished with four wickets apiece as South Africa were bowled out for 244, giving India a first innings lead of 36.
