India shines on the first day of third test against SA!
Apr 11, 2008 Sports
It was the first day of third test of India against South Africa of Future Cup Series in Kanpur. Indian team has shown an appreciable play on the Green Park pitch dismissing South Africa at a small score of 265.
Indian team led by M S Dhoni in the absence of injured Anil Kumble gave a good performance today. Electing to bat, the two South African Greame Smith (69) and Neil McKenzie (36) openers provided a solid start of 61 runs before the young Piyush Chawla celebrated his return to Test cricket by scalping McKenzie in his very first over.
With score reading 108/1 in 32nd over it looked that Indian players might have to feild for a long time under the scorching sun. But soon all batsmen were returned to pavilion one by one.
After Nell, it was Hashim Amla(51) who joined Smith till 152 runs for a single loss. Hashim Amla was then dismissed by Ishant Sharma.
Yuvraj took a single wicket of Captain Smith giving a hard blow to Proteas. Thereafter all the remaining wickets were struck off one by one.
Playing his first match after a long break, Piyush Chawla bagged two wickets - de Villiers(25) and McKenzie(36).
Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh remained the most successful bowler. Giving 53 runs in 31 overs, he snatched 3 wickets while Indian pace bowler Ishant Sharma permitted 55 runs in 12.3 overs and send 3 batsmen back to pavilion.
Virendra Sehwag dismissed Prince (16) as the sixth wicket. Later Harbhajan dismissed Morkel(17) while Ishant Sharma strikes and dismissed Boucher(29).
Finally Ishant took away the last wicket as Harris (12) and wrapped the team at 265 only.
Harbhajan took off the ninth wicket also in the form of Steyn without allowing him to open his account giving a brilliant catch to Mohammad Kaif.
India was trailing the series by 0-1. India has to win this match to level the series and retain its second position in ICC ranking. Watch the full coverage of the first day.
Tags: Cricket, First Day, India, South Africa, Test Match
