India vs South Africa, Day 2, Kotla Test Highlights: Ravindra Jadeja Rattles Proteas, Hosts in Command
Ravindra Jadeja picked up his fourth five-wicket haul -- third against South Africa -- as India dismissed the visitors for 121, giving them an overall lead of 213. India's innings was buoyed by a century from Ajinkya Rahane and half-century from Ravichandran Ashwin as they posted 334. Relive all the highlights here.
Ajinkya Rahane scored his first century at home and his 98-run stand with Ravichandran Ashwin gave India an extra cushion of runs on Day 2 of the Kotla Test. Ravindra Jadeja (5/30) and Umesh Yadav (2/32) struck in the post-tea session as the visitors were dismissed for 121, putting hosts in a dominating position.ÂÂ
India have however, decided not to enforce the follow-on and will come out to bat on Day 3. AB de Villiers waged a lone battle for Proteas with fighting 42, but he didn't get enough support from the other end. Ashwin, then polished off the tail with figures of 2/26. (SCORECARD | NEWS | PHOTOS)
16:43 hrs IST: South Africa all out for 121. Tahir the last man to fall as he skied one to deep midwicket, where substitute fielder KL Rahul took a good catch. R Ashwin gets his man, after he was initially dropped in the off-spinner's previous over. Proteas trail India by 213 runs. ÂÂ
16:40 hrs IST: Dropped! India had a golden opportunity to enforce the follow-on, but Virat Kohli spilled a relatively easy chance off Ashwin. Imran Tahir tried to hoick Ashwin out of the ground, got a top-edge only for the Indian skipper to let it go.ÂÂ
16:32 hrs IST: WICKET!!! FIVEFER for Jadeja.  De Villiers is  on his way back after a brilliant catch from Ishant Sharma. De Villier looking to be aggressive against the left-arm spinner was caught at long-off boundary. South Africa still need 16 runs to avoid the follow-on. AB de Villiers c Ishant Sharma b Ravindra Jadeja 42 (78).
16:21 hrs IST: WICKET!!! Jadeja gets his fourth wicket after Dane Piedt edges one to Rahane in slips. South Africa's shoddy performance has surprised every one considering the pitch has not been that tough to play on. Dane Piedt c Ajinkya Rahane b Ravindra Jadeja 5 (18).ÂÂ
16:10 hrs IST: Something to cheer about for South Africa as they reach 100. De Villiers has been the lone ranger for visitors and they would hoping that he would come to party. India have bowled well on a pitch that offered assistance to both pacers and spinners.ÂÂ
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16:01 hrs IST: WICKET!!! Ashwin gets his first wicket of the match as he had Kyle Abbot walking back to the pavillion after he was adjudged LBW for 4. Abbott had hit Ashwin for a boundary the previous ball, but missed a straighter one from Indian off-spinner as the visitors still  need another 50 runs to avoid a follow-on. Kyle Abbott LBW R Ashwin 4 (6). ÂÂ
15:54 hrs IST: WICKET!!! It's been that kind of a day for South Africa as Vilas departs for 11. Vilas was clearly struggling in the middle as he shouldered a straight delivery from Ishant to have his off-stump shattered out of the ground. Dane Vilas b Ishant Sharma 11 (21) ÂÂ
15:46 hrs IST: Glenn Maxwell too seems to be enjoying the India vs South Africa contest. Here is the tweet from the Australian all-rounder.
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Yes I am! India have been world class on a good wicket. Great to watch! https://t.co/BNknGpe0As
- Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) December 4, 2015
15:40 hrs IST: Ashwin is turning his magic on the Feroz Shah Kotla. Dane Vilas is struggling against the off-spinner and is not reading the variations.ÂÂ
15:31 hrs IST: This is perhaps one of the best spells from Umesh. Vidarbha pacers' ability to use the abrasive surface has helped India push Proteas on the backfoot. India already thinking of enforcing a follow-on.ÂÂ
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15:22 hrs IST: WICKET!!! Umesh gets his 50th Test wicket with a peach. Jean-Paul Duminy has to make the long walk back to pavillion after he was comprehensively bowled by a ball that straightened after pitching. South African dressing room is stunned! JP Duminy b Umesh Yadav 1 (8)
15:17 hrs IST: Will de Villiers be South Africa's saviour? He needs to be atleast judging by the way visitors have batted. While Amla and du Plessis played rash shots, Bavuma was undone by a straighter one.  ÂÂ
15:07 hrs IST: WICKET!!! Jadeja is on a roll here as he now removes Faf du Plessis. Poor shot under the circumstances as he looks to paddle sweep a straight delivery, only to get a top-edge it, giving an easy chance to Rahane. Du Plessis' form has been poor as he has three ducks in the series so far. Faf du Plessis c Ajinkya Rahane b Jadeja 0 (2)
15:00 hrs IST: WICKET!!! Jadeja strikes for India as he removes Amla. Amla looks to cut a ball that was too close as he gets a faint edge to Saha for 3. Hashim Amla c Wriddhiman Saha b Jadeja 3 (34)ÂÂ
14:54 hrs IST: De Villiers and Amla are on third and fifth spot respectively in terms of leading run-scorers for South Africa. With the ball reversing and Jadeja getting a bit of spin, it could well be a tough grind for the Proteas. ÂÂ
14:48 hrs IST: Ishant Sharma brought back into the attack and seems like he is getting a bit of reverse swing. De Villiers looks hungry, while Amla has been a tad over-cautious.ÂÂ
14:40 hrs IST: South Africa's best players are in the middle in the form of Amla and AB de Villiers.  De Villiers is off the blocks quickly with consecutive boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja. Ominous signs -- perhaps!!
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14:31 hrs IST: Ravindra Jadeja introduced straightaway after tea break. First up is a ripper, which spins from the righthander Bavuma. The South African opener is sent packing after he misjudged a straight delivery from left-arm spinner for 22. Temba Bavuma b Ravindra Jadeja 22 (55)ÂÂ
14:20 hrs IST: TEA!!! It's Tea at the Feroz Shah Kotla with South Africa showing signs of fight in the middle. Bavuma has looked solid, while Umesh has been hostile in his bowling. Ashwin tested Proteas with a spell of 5-4-3-0. As of now, we can say that India are slightly ahead as teams head into the break. ÂÂ
14:10 hrs IST: It seems South Africa have been over-cautious against Ashwin. Hashim Amla in particular, who survived twice against the leading wicket-taker of the series.ÂÂ
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 13:55 hrs IST: WICKET!!! Umesh Yadav provides the breakthrough for India as he removes Elgar for 17. The South African opener was stuck in his crease as he nicked a full delivery to keeper Wriddhiman Saha much to the delight of the bowler. Dean Elgar c Wriddhiman Saha b Umesh Yadav 17 (50)ÂÂ
13:49 hrs IST: Bavuma survives a LBW scare as he goes for a sweep off Ashwin. Replays showed that the impact was outside off-stump. ÂÂ
13:48 hrs IST: Now that's what you would call a 'Jumbo' selfie.
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And that's what you call a 'Jumbo' selfie with @anilkumble1074 #IndvsSA pic.twitter.com/VPfwaQr0VM
- BCCI (@BCCI) December 4, 2015
13:40 hrs IST: It's been pretty quiet and a cat and mouse game is taking place at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Elgar and Bavuma have been patient in the middle and Indian pacers have bowled a nagging line and length. Ashwin has bowled two maidens, but there is not much spin in the pitch.ÂÂ
13:32 hrs IST: First sign of spin as Ravichandran Ashwin comes in to bowl to Bavuma. The South African understandably is cautious against India's ace-spinner and sees off the over without much trouble. ÂÂ
13:24 hrs IST: Cheteshwar Pujara takes a blow at short leg. Dean Elgar pulls a Umesh Yadav delivery, which hits Pujara's left hand. Physio is out in the middle, and decides to take Pujara off the field. India fans would be keeping their fingers crossed and it's just a bruise. ÂÂ
13:07 hrs IST: Elgar is living dangerously in the middle as he survives another scare -- this time off Ishant Sharma. Ishant brought one back to Elgar, who shouldered arms -- umpire Dharmasena reckons the ball would have missed off-stump.
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13:00 hrs IST: Elgar gets a streaky boundary as edges one past the slip cordon for his first boundary. Elgar had a close shave as he was clearly surprised by a short delivery from Umesh Yadav, which fell short of the short-leg fielder. A single to end the over as South Africa were 10/0 after four overs.ÂÂ
12:54 hrs IST: Loud appeal for an LBW against Dean Elgar but umpire Dharmasena is unmoved. Ishant Sharma gets a delivery to nip back in and Elgar plays inside the line, he gets hit on the pads but the ball was pitching well outside the line of leg stump.
12:52 hrs IST: Bavuma gets off the mark with a boundary by flicking Umesh Yadav to deep square leg. Nice stroke.
12:47 hrs IST: South Africa openers Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma are now out in the middle with Ishant Sharma opens for India. Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav to share the new ball.
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12:32 hrs IST: It is finally over. Kyle Abbott takes the remaining two wickets to finish with 5/40, his second five wicket haul in Tests. Ashwin miscues the pull shot to be caught at mid wicket while Ishant Sharma is trapped in front. India have been bowled out for 334 and it will be a challenge for South Africa.
12:25 hrs IST: Nothing seems to have changed in the status quo of the match. Ashwin is now finding good support from Umesh Yadav while the South African bowlers toil to take the remaining wickets.
12:16 hrs IST: This is a stat. When Dravid started his Test career, his first four hundreds were made in overseas conditions. His fifth century was against New Zealand in Mohali in 1999. Rahane scored his first four centuries overseas and his fifth has come at the Kotla.
12:14 hrs IST: First over from Abbott done and Ashwin has played him out comfortably. Now, here is a bit of information that is sure to boggle your mind. It is the comparison between Rahane and Rahul Dravid.
12:07 hrs IST: Welcome back for the post-lunch session. Ashwin and Rahane have ensured that India are in a solid position. South Africa will be hoping to wrap up the tail immediately and ensure that they do not reach 350.
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11:30 hrs IST: Lunch and India are on top at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Ashwin's sixth fifty continues his domination of South Africa. Not only are the Proteas spooked by Ashwin with the ball, they have apparently got cold feet with his bat as well. However, the session belonged to Rahane and his sublime ton has stolen the show.
11:24 hrs IST: Ashwin hurts South Africa, this time with the bat. He brings up his sixth fifty in style by smashing Tahir for a six to deep square leg.
11:16 hrs IST: The pitch seems to have eased out. Either the South African bowlers are not bowling the right lengths or the Indian batsmen are playing extremely well. It will be interesting to see what Ashwin and Jadeja exploit out of this wicket.
11:07 hrs IST: Ashwin is still playing a solid knock and India have crossed 300. How much will India manage?
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10:59 hrs IST: WICKET! The partnership is finally broken. Rahane falls for a brilliant 127. It has been a sublime knock and the Kotla are on their feet. The Indian dressing room applauds his effort as he walks off. He is still disappointed as he wanted to carry on batting. Rahane c de Villiers b Tahir 127 (215).
Tahir gets his first wicket. He bowls a flighted delivery outside off and Rahane drives it to cover, de Villiers takes an easy catch.
10:54 hrs IST: The partnership between Rahane and Ashwin is nearing 100. South Africa are running out of ideas. The game is slipping away from them.
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10:45 hrs IST: Loud appeal for an LBW from Tahir but not given. This delivery straightened on off stump and Ashwin gets hit on the pad first. It looked out and Tahir will be very unlucky.
10:41 hrs IST: Imran Tahir comes into the attack. He was poor yesterday and he will be eyeing a better show today. However, the situation looks dire for South Africa.
10:32 hrs IST: Ashwin and Rahane are building a stand that is taking the game away from South Africa. The South African bowlers seem deflated. They have not been helped in the field.
10:24 hrs IST: Ajinkya Rahane has upped a gear here. He charges down and smashes Dane Piedt for two sixes. This is the first time that Rahane has hit more than two sixes in an innings. He currently has four.
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10:16 hrs IST: What a moment! Ajinkya Rahane, take a bow! He punches Abbott straight down the ground and brings up his century in style. He raises his arms in triumph and acknowledges the warm support of the crowd. This is simply brilliant. He has shattered his home jinx in style. It is his fifth century overall and his first against South Africa.
10:11 hrs IST: The partnership between Ashwin and Rahane has crossed fifty. India have gone past 250 and South Africa are under pressure. Both batsmen are content on playing patiently.
10:02 hrs IST: Dropped! Would you believe it! Hashim Amla has completed a hat-trick of dropped catches! Ashwin got a thick edge off Abbott and the ball goes to slip, Amla tries to get underneath the delivery but he is unable to hold on.
09:54 hrs IST: Plenty of school children are coming to the ground again. Entry is free for the kids and they will be hoping that Rahane gives them plenty of cheer.
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09:46 hrs IST: First boundary of the day and it comes off Ashwin's bat. He pulls Abbott to deep square leg as India near 250. South Africa will have to strike quickly.
09:40 hrs IST: First signs off uneven bounce. Morkel hurls a short delivery and it climbs up sharply but it is wide outside off. Wide signalled by the umpire.
09:38 hrs IST: Morkel and Abbott are keeping it stump-to-stump and are hanging the length back. Both these bowlers are ensuring that run-scoring is made difficult. With the new ball, they can sense a wicket.
09:31 hrs IST: Rahane moves into the 90s by tucking Morkel to long leg. Will the tail support him?
09:27 hrs IST: The second new ball has been taken and Morne Morkel will start proceedings. Two slips in place and Rahane almost suffers a fatal error of judgment. He shoulders arms to a delivery that jags back in and he gets hit on the thigh guard.
09:20 hrs IST: Welcome to day two of the fourth Test between India and South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Will he or won't he? That is the big question on everyone's mind. Will Ajinkya Rahane become the first batsman in this series to score a century? Will 'Jinks' break the Jinx?
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The first session will be crucial for both India and South Africa. The Proteas will look up to Dane Piedt and Kyle Abbott to inflict some early damage. The pair shared all 7 wickets to fall as India closed the first day six overs early because of bad light on 231/7 after Virat Kohli had won his fourth toss in-a-row.
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Piedt finished the day with figures of 4/101 in 34 marathon overs in three spells which means that he has taken 4 wickets in all three of the Test innings of his career to date. The rookie off-spinner already has 12 career wickets from what amounts to just under three Test innings.
And Piedt should have had his first five-wicket haul as first umpire Kumar Dharmasena failed to spot a gloved chance to short leg and then Hashim Amla dropped a chance at slip offered by India's top scorer, Rahane.
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Abbott had the outstanding figures of 3/23 from his 17 overs and was a threatening force throughout the day. Overnight batsmen Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin have to deal with them with patience if India have to reach at least 300 on a difficult wicket.