WATCH : Indian dressing room gives Shami a standing ovation

India are taking the game away from South Africa, as Rahane, Bhuvneshwar and now Shami have added some invaluable runs to the Indian total.

The third day of the Johannesburg test match between India and South Africa was expected to be keenly fought between the two sides.

India had shaded the previous two days, as Virat Kohli’s men were in a strong position heading into the third day. While the pitch was expected to assist the bowlers, no one could have expected the ball Wanderers pitch to spit fire throughout the first session.

South Africa started really well, as Morkel and Philander picked up early wickets to put India on the back foot early on. It took Vijay’s resolute defense and Kohli’s brilliance to put together a partnership, as the pair steered India towards 100.

Both batsman suffered blows to their fingers, as the ball jumped off a good length and crash into their bodies. The umpires had to stop play, and asked both captains if they wanted to continue.

Eventually they continued, but not without doubts lingering over the state of the pitch.

Kohli looked imperious though, as he was the only person who played any degree of control in the innings. His stroke play was gorgeous as usual, as Kohli played a couple of stunning cover drives to entertain the fans.

But Rabada eventually got his man, as the pacer broke their Kohli’s defence. The Indian skipper was visibly impressed, as he was surprised by the quality of Rabada’s delivery.

With India in trouble, Ajinkya Rahane came out and played a beautiful little innings of 48, as the Mumbai batsman underlined his status as one of India’s best batsmen in tests.

Rahane stood tall against the pacers, as he played some wonderful shots and formed a brilliant partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvi played another good hand, as he more than held is own against the South African bowlers.

Shami then walked in and hit a couple of lusty blows, with one memorable six off Morne Morkel being the standout moment. Shami pulled the big man into the stands, as the Indian dressing room applauded and cheered their fast bowler.

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