Torrential rain whitewashed Day 3 at Capetown. (Source: Reuters)
After an exhilarating couple of days in the first Test between India and South Africa in Cape Town, the third day on Sunday proved to be a dampener. This was after torrential rain led to play being called off without a ball being balled on Day 3. While there were moments when the heavy cloud cover did part ways to offer a glimer of hope but the persistent drizzle led to puddles n certain areas of the ground. Ultimately at 3.30 pm (local time) and 7 pm (IST) play was called off. However, with more than 190 overs of play remaining we should be in for a thrilling contest on day 4 and 5. Most importantly there is no forecast of rain on Monday and Tuesday.
Earlier, India, who started the second day from 28/3, did not see much momentum going their way as they lost Rohit Sharma quickly in the first session. Cheteshwar Pujara, who was acting as India’s wall could not carry his resistance on for much longer either and gave away an easy catch at slips just after Lunch. His fall triggered a batting collapse as the visitors went down to 93 for 7. But, it was allrounder Hardik Pandya, who started counter-attack and scored a brisk 93, saving India from massive embarrassment. Seamers Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets each as India were bowled out for 209. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram started well for South Africa, but Pandya showed his form with the ball as he scalped both the openers. South Africa closed the day on 65/2, leading India by 142 runs with Hashim Amla and nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada in the middle. As both the team sets up for the fourth day, all eyes will be on Pandya again to bring India back in the game.
India vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 3: As it happened
1900 hrs IST: Just as we were wondering if the rain would wash out play, it is confirmed- Play has been called off for Day 3. Extremely sad news considering that the state of the match. However, around 190 overs are still left in the match and hence a thrilling contest is on offer. For more action join us tomorrow.
1830 hrs IST: We are half an hour away from tea and the rain is back again. Will third day’s play get completely washed out? Stay tuned…
1800 hrs IST: Rain has stopped but the super sopper is not functioning properly.
1730 hrs IST: The rain is continuing to pour again as ominous black clouds hover over Newlands.
1700 hrs IST: Not much of a good news as covers are back again. This stop-start nature of the rain will irk fans and players alike.
1630 hrs IST: Some more good news as covers are being slowly removed.
Getting slightly better here in Newlands as #TeamIndia make their way to the ground #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/J3XC3NbIep
— BCCI (@BCCI) 7 January 2018
1615 hrs IST: A few groundsmen are on the field as the super-sopper is also on duty. Things are slowly brightening up.
1600 hrs IST: Rain has stopped now and things are brightening up in Cape Town as per reports. But the covers are still on and we still have to wait a while before the play to begin.
1540 hrs IST: It is still raining in Cape Town and there is an official confirmation that we will not have the first session today.
1500 hrs IST: There is reported to be still lot of rain happening in Cape Town and now there seems to be a lot of water on the outfield which needs to be dried out before the play could start. It does not look like the first session will take place today.
1430 hrs IST: Cape Town is one of the faster drying grounds in the country, which is a good sign, but nothing will start till the rain stops. As per reports, the rain is not likely to stop as per 2 PM local time, which means we may only have the final session today.
1320 hrs IST: It has been raining heavily at Newlands in Cape Town and the ground is undercover at the moment. A late start is expected today.
The ground is under covers at Newlands in Cape Town. (BCCI)
1300 hrs IST: Hello and welcome to our live blog on South Africa vs India, 1st Test Day 3 in Cape Town. After an action-packed first two days, Sunday promises to pack an exciting punch. We will give you live updates on the proceedings of the day here. Stay tuned.
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers †, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, AK Markram Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn
India: Virat Kohli (c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay