South Africa in unassailable position

The South African batsmen, displaying tremendous application, took their team to an unassailable position at the end of the third day's play in Bangalore. And, on a wicket that is cracking up, the Indians are staring down the barrel.

The notable feature of the South African innings was the manner in which the partnerships were built. And the fact that five of the batsmen managed to score half-centuries is ample proof of their will to perform in conditions not familiar to them.

With a blend of caution and aggression, the visitors wrested the advantage from the Indian spinners, who failed to make any impression on a turning track. Night-watchman Nicky Boje's 85, only exposed the lack of sting in the attack.

Jacques Kallis, once again in the thick of things, occupied the crease as if his very life depended on it, and rotated the strike, while Daryll Cullinan and Lance Klusener adopted more aggressive methods. The game-plan worked, and it was obvious that the Proteas had done their home-work well.

The Indian spinners, who did not have a good score on the board to back them, attempted too many things in sheer desperation, and in the process, erred in line and length. On this track, the attack revolved on Anil Kumble, but he did not receive any support, which added to the problems.

The Indian collapse on the first day meant the team had thrown away the advantage of winning the toss for the second time in the series. Had the host managed to score around 350 in the first innings, the pressure would have been on the South Africans.

In the event, the Indians made just 158, and the Proteas, who needed just one good partnership to overhaul the score, came up with three. Hence the daunting 300-plus lead, which makes India's survival in the Test very difficult.

It's ironical that on a wicket that is tending to deteriorate, the side that batted second after losing the toss, finds itself in the driving seat with two days to go. It should have been the other way around.

www.krishsrikkanth.com

By K. Srikkanth

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Section  : Sport
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