India require 124 runs to seal victory in the first IND vs SA Test. This is a modest target on paper, but the Kolkata surface has turned difficult for batting.
A prime example of this came early on as the home side begun its chase on a very rough and concerning note.
Play has currently stopped for Lunch, and at the end of Day 3’s first session, India stand at a score of 10/2 with 114 runs more needed to win the match.
Marco Jansen Brews Trouble For India
Spinners are enjoying sharp turn, while the quicks are cashing in on the unpredictable bounce on this Eden Gardens pitch. This brought early trouble for India, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed for a duck after a probing spell from Marco Jansen.
Jansen struck again soon after, removing KL Rahul for just a single as India’s top order slipped under pressure.
Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel are now tasked with steadying the chase, hoping to settle the innings and rebuild momentum. However, spinner Simon Harmer will look to deal further damage in combination with in-form fast bowler.
India still have Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja waiting in the wings, but the tricky conditions mean the pursuit is far from straightforward.
Adding to the challenge is the captain, Shubman Gill’s situation. He will not take part in the run chase, retiring hurt earlier on Day 2 with a neck spasm, an injury that has now sidelined him for the remainder of the match.
So in short, India have 7 wickets to spare in this chase, on a very challenging turf, and against quality opposition. A Day 3 finish seemed imminent initially, but thing might creep into the fourth day if the batsmen decide to take it slow from now on.
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