India has finally concluded Day 2 of the on-going 3rd Test against South Africa on top in spite of bad light playing spoilsport in the 3rd session that was held at the JSCA Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday.
Ranchi Test, Day 2: Pacers shock South Africa
South Africa were winding at 9 for 2 after Umesh Yadav along with Mohammed Shami removed their openers Quinton de Kock as well as Dean Elgar with fiery bouncers in the post Tea session.
In spite of losing about 2 sessions over the 1st two days of the Ranchi Test, India are now on course in order to finish their 1st-ever series whitewash of South Africa. South Africa trail 1st innings score of India by 488 runs on a track where the bowling attack of Indian players seems to be like more spiteful than their South African counterparts.
Ranchi Test, Day 2: Ajinkya Rahane make merry
Just like Saturday, new India opener Rohit Sharma, hit his maiden double hundred in Tests on Sunday in Ranchi. He has accepted that he wanted ‘to use the opportunity (to open the innings) to full’ at the end of the 2nd day’s play.
Rohit, has already scored 527 runs in the on-going Freedom Trophy. He was later pushed up the order by the Indian team management just in advance of the series started. The result – 2 hundreds and a double in 4 innings – has Rohit and his team thrilled. Rohit played with the fluency that he is known for in limited-overs cricket.
Rohit also told the reporters after Day 2 in Ranchi, “Wanted to use the opportunity to full. Otherwise, a lot would have been said and written (about my Test career). You folks write a lot about me. Now you will write some good things I hope,”
He also reiterated his mindset when he was asked by reporters on his experience so far at the top of the innings has been.
Sharma said, “New ball does something. In Pune and here (Ranchi), it was tough in the morning. Rabada spell was quite challenging. But conditions overseas will be different. Not reading too much right now, waiting for the overseas challenge as an opener,”
South Africa on the other hand, got off to the worst possible begining as they lost Dean Elgar for 0 in the very next 2nd ball of their innings. At the same time, Mohammed Shami came up with a well-directed bouncer.
Ravindra Jadeja also fuelled India for the big score, he walked in at No. 6 for the 2nd successive time in the on-going series. After that he took his time to settle down but chipped in with a crucial half-century.
