Mohammed Shami recorded a five-wicket haul while Jasprit Bumrah and Shardul Thakur added two each to their name as India bundled out the hosts for 197 in the first innings.
After Bumrah and Shami ripped through the SA top-order, Thakur entered the wickets column after he removed Quinton de Kock at the stroke of tea, reducing South Africa to 109/5 on an eventful day in Centurion. Shami struck again in the final session to complete his fifer and also register his 200th Test scalp. Earlier in the first session, India lost seven wickets for 55 runs.
With rain washing out the second day entirely and a significant amount of time lost already, it was expected that the well-set duo of KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane will take up a more attacking approach against the South Africa bowling. But a brilliant spell from Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada spoiled India’s plans to go past 400 in the first innings. At stumps on Day 3, India were 16/1, having lost Mayank early. India now have a lead of 146 that already looks imposing for the hosts.
