Jansen's Six-Wickets and Markram-Rickelton Partnership Gives SA a 314-Run Lead

India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Marco Jansen Bags 6-48 as Proteas Cruise Towards Victory

The third day of the test cricket between India and South Africa has changed the game's possible outcome. What seemed like a promising start for India turned into a major downturn. 

Even though team India displayed a solid opening partnership, its middle order failed to perform as intended. A strategic spin attack and outstanding performance from South Africa's Marco Jansen have pushed the team’s chances of victory.

Jansen's Career-Best Haul and India's Middle-Order Collapse

India’s innings crumbled dramatically after a promising start from their openers as they fell from 65 without loss to a precarious 102/4 by tea break. Marco Jansen achieved a career-best 6-48 against India. Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj claimed three wickets between them. Harmer dismissed both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan.

Jaiswal seemed in control, heading for a big score before he edged Harmer to Jansen at short third man. Jaiswal's disappointment was clear as he left the field for 58 off 97 balls. Rahul was caught at first slip off Maharaj for 22 off 63 balls, ending the opening partnership at 65. India's top order was largely undone by the disciplined spin attack. South Africa took firm control of the match proceedings on Day 3.

Washington Sundar's Resistance Ends as South Africa Takes Control

Washington Sundar scored 48 runs; however, the Indian team was eventually bowled out for 201 in their first innings. Sundar helped India reach a score that at least avoided total humiliation. South Africa had posted 489 runs in their first innings. The visitors secured a massive first-innings lead of 288.

Marco Jansen was the leading player for South Africa with his outstanding six-wicket haul. Simon Harmer eventually took Sundar out of the field in the post-lunch session on Day 3. The batsman was just two runs short of a well-deserved fifty. His wicket was the eighth to fall, cementing South Africa's dominant position.