By: Drcricket7 Staff
Finally, India could drive home some advantage after a sedate start to the opening Test against South Africa. Thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin, who finished with a fifer.
Ravichandran Ashwin helps India take a slender 17-run lead in the first innings after South Africa were bundled out for 184, after Team India posted 201 on the opening day of the Mohali Test.
On Day 2, apart from Ravichandran Ashwin, it was the combined effort of other two spinners – Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra – who changed the course of the game.
Earlier, South Africa started the day quite comfortably as the Indian spinner struggled to find their rhythm. But towards the end of the morning session, they started to find their feet.
On a slow and low Mohali pitch, the ball spun and troubled the visitors. It was again AB de Villiers who stood his ground. Taking confidence from his outstanding T20 and ODI form, de Villiers made 63 off 83 balls and negotiated the Indian spinner quite well.
Not very often you see South African Test captain Hashim Amla failing in the longer version of the game and in this match he got moderate success (43 runs; 97 ball). After his successful stint with the ball, Dean Elgar made a gritty 37.
However, the most heartening sight on Friday was the spell of Ravichandran Ashwin, who once again showed why he is the most important cog in the Indian team.
After missing most of the ODI series, his presence was a huge boost for India. The only concern for the hosts is the batting form of Shikhar Dhawan, who once again failed to stand up and be counted.
Before the stumps were drawn, India were right on the game with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara batting, as the hosts managed to build a 142-run lead over South Africa.
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