South Africa
are still 211 runs off their record victory target at the venue of 305 on a
wicket that is treacherous for the batsmen with sideways movement but also
variable bounce.
Some
deliveries are staying low and others spitting off the surface with exaggerated
bounce.
They will
need to negotiate the skilful India attack on the final day as the tourists
attempt to secure a victory on the way to a hoped for first ever series win in
South Africa with Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town to follow.
“The
wicket has variable bounce so if we keep bowling the right areas then we’re in
a good position in the game,” India batting coach Vikram Rathour told
reporters.
“If we
can carry on doing that tomorrow, I think we will create lot of opportunities
… We need to keep hitting those lengths consistently.”
South Africa
lost Aiden Markram (one), Keegan Petersen (17), nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj
(eight) and Rassie van der Dussen, who got 11 from 65 balls before being bowled
by Jasprit Bumrah (2-22) with a superb in-swinger while not offering a shot.
The highest
fourth innings score to win at Centurion Park is 251 for eight by England in
2000, an infamous Test where both teams agreed to forfeit an innings after rain
to force a result.
“We
have to show belief,” South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada said.
“We will strategise overnight and work out how we want to approach this.
“Dean
has done this countless times, where he shows fight when it is toughest. He
will know his job is not over, he is leading from the front.”
India were
earlier bowled out for 174 in their second innings, the South African seamers
expertly using the conditions with Rabada (4-42) and 21-year-old left-arm
debutant Marco Jansen (4-55) the chief wicket takers.
None of the
tourists’ batsmen were able to get settled at the crease with Rishabh Pant (34)
the top scorer as he tried to take the attack to the bowlers.
There was
more disappointment for India captain Virat Kohli (18) as he chased a wide
delivery for the second time in the Test and was caught by wicketkeeper Quinton
de Kock off the bowling of Jansen.
