Shami makes the ball talk & how!

Mohammed five-for hands India big lead on 18-wicket day.

NT Correspondent

With the whole second day lost to rain, Centurion practically made up for the time lost with the most wickets it has produced in a day of Test cricket, 18. India lost their last seven wickets in 69 balls, which is not usually considered ideal, but it was just the result they needed as it suggested the pitch had significantly more life in it than on day one.

Mohammed Shami’s sheer artistry with new and old ball fetched him another five-wicket haul as India seized control of the first Test against South Africa on the third day by extending their overall lead to 146 runs that could prove to be decisive.

Shami (16-5-44-5) and his pace bowling colleagues Jasprit Bumrah (7.2-2-16-2), Mohammed Siraj (15.1-3-45-1) and Shardul Thakur (11-1-51-2) further enhanced their reputation as world beaters by dismissing the Proteas for mere 197.

The quartet neutralised Lungi Ngidi’s lion-hearted morning spell which saw him finish on 6 for 71 from 24 overs as India lost seven wickets from 55 runs to be all-out on 327. The wily old Shami, manfully shouldered the duties of a pace spearhead for the better part of the 62.3 overs because of Japrit Bumrah’s twisted ankle. He also completed a satisfying personal milestone of 200 Test wickets.

With a first innings lead of 130, India at stumps reached 16 for 1 losing Mayank Agarwal’s wicket. The Supersport Park strip after all the rain on the second day was at its spiciest best with all the underlying moisture aiding seam and swing bowling as 18 wickets fell on the day. While Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada did well in the morning, Shami did way better in the afternoon in the company of Bumrah, Siraj and Shardul. At the end of day three on such a pitch, you back yourself to win, but there is some forecast for rain on day five, which will make for an interesting watch on India’s declaration should they get themselves into a position to do so.

Pant becomes fastest Indian keeper to reach 100 Test dismissals

Rishabh Pant surpassed MS Dhoni to become the fastest Indian wicketkeeper to record 100 Test dismissals during the first Test against South Africa at Centurion. Pant reached the milestone with the dismissal of Temba Bavuma. He reached the feat in his 26th match (50th innings), eclipsing Dhoni who achieved the same in 36 Tests.

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock leads the overall tally, having reached the landmark in just 22 matches.