Jacques Kallis grafted a brave unbeaten half-century to lift South Africa to 212-6 at tea on the fourth day of the deciding third Test against India on Wednesday.
Kallis, who made a magnificent 161 in the first innings, defied a painful side injury to reach 67 not out with the hosts 210 runs ahead following an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 82 with Mark Boucher.
South Africa’s leading run-scorer was unfazed by the deteriorating pitch or an injury that left him wincing in agony, while veteran wicketkeeper Boucher provided valiant support with a gritty unbeaten 46.
First Test series win
The series is level at 1-1 and top-ranked India are seeking victory to clinch their first Test series win in South Africa.
Ashwell Prince was the one batsman dismissed in the second session when his well-struck cut shot off Ishant Sharma was smartly taken by Shanthakumaran Sreesanth at point.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh took two early wickets in the morning session before South Africa staggered to 121-5 at lunch.
Harbhajan struck in his first over when he ripped a delivery out of the rough and trapped Alviro Petersen lbw for his overnight score of 22.
Hashim Amla fell in Harbhajan’s next over as he missed an attempted sweep shot, the ball bouncing up off his arm and back on to his stumps to be bowled for two.
Kallis and AB de Villiers defied the Indian attack for over an hour before De Villiers was bowled by Zaheer Khan for 13, raising his bat too late to an inswinger that cannoned off the bottom edge and into his stumps. — Reuters
