KOLKATA, India, (Reuters) – Top-ranked India will bank heavily on their spinners on the last day after rain and Hashim Amla frustrated their bid for a series-levelling victory in the second Test against South Africa yesterday.
India have a possible 97 overs to take out seven South African wickets today and avoid their first home series loss since the defeat by Australia in 2004 as they try to hold on to their number one ranking.
However, with a full day’s play not guaranteed after bad light and rain allowed only 34.1 overs to be bowled yesterday, India will look to play aggressive cricket with their traditional strength being the main weapon.
“It would have been handy to have 50 overs today. But that’s what we were dealt with. We just have to get on with it and use the time we have left,” India coach Gary Kirsten told reporters.
The tourists were 115-3 at the close on the fourth day, still 232 behind, with in-form Amla on a fighting 49. Ashwell Prince had yet to get off the mark.
The tourists, 1-0 up in the series, still have a chance of saving the Test to record their first series victory in India in a decade and reclaim the top-ranking from their hosts.
KEY WICKET
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra took the key wicket of Jacques Kallis (20) just minutes before the rain came down yesterday, having already dismissed Graeme Smith (20) before lunch.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh sent back first innings century maker Alviro Petersen for 21 when the Test debutant was caught at shortleg.
“It was handy getting Kallis out before the bad light. Amit (Mishra) bowled really good today and so did Harbhajan,” Kirsten said.
“With the two of them bowling really well and Ishant (Sharma and) Zaheer (Khan) adding to (the) attack we’re really in a good position. It’s only about how many overs are available to us tomorrow.”
Amla, who scored centuries in his two previous outings, forged a partnership of 57 with Kallis, who told reporters it would be important for Amla to bat for the whole day with the remaining batsmen rallying around him.
“When you have form, you should keep going,” Kallis said of Amla. “He has high powers of concentration and knows his limitations. He should keep on doing what he is doing, stick to his game plans.”
