India vs South Africa 2021-22, Boxing Day Test: Bowlers rule Day 3, here are the talking points
India produced a fine bowling display on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in the Freedom Series. The visitors possess a lead of 146 runs. Here are the talking points.
FollowIt was bowler's day out on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa in the 2021-22 Freedom Series at the Centurion Park on Tuesday. The visitors have a lead of 146 runs, thanks to an impressive show by the pacers. As things stand, there are still chances of a result by Day 4, with Day 5 having rain forecasts. Meanwhile, we analyse the talking points.
Excellent planning by South African pacers
Earlier during the day, the Indians collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 49 runs. However, after sheer dominance by the Indian top-order on Day 1, the Protea pacers made an impressive comeback. What was notable was that they set up the Indian batters, frustrating them with the same good length deliveries and occasionally moving it away, leading to the edge and falling at the hands of the slips.
Lungi Ngidi - Mr Reliable for SA
While SA dearly missed the absence of prime pacer Anrich Nortje, it was onto the remaining pacers in the side. Although Kagiso Rabada struggled on Day 1, Ngidi was its only ray of hope. He delivered effectively, bowling the right lines that most of the host pacers were missing and eventually guided them on how to get rid of the Indians. It was under his influence that Rabada later delivered.
Indian bowling attack too good for Proteas
While the Indians' collapse raised some eyebrows, everyone eagerly waited for the Indian bowlers to display their magic. And, it was just what everyone expected, with the Indian pacers wreaking havoc. From Japsrit Bumrah to Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur, they showed the South Africans why India is considered one of the most dangerous bowling sides. Be it any condition, the Indian pace attack is formidable enough to thrive anywhere right now. Don't believe us? Ask Australia or England.
