India vs South Africa Johannesburg Test, day 4: 34 overs to be bowled after rain washes out two sessions

The fourth day of the second Test between South Africa and India in Johannesburg has been delayed due to rain. The forecast on day 4 was not promising, with rain and thundershower activity to disrupt play throughout the day. With the pitch under covers and with overcast conditions throughout the day, India’s bowlers can make inroads. For South Africa, skipper Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma hold the key in the chase.

A total in excess of 200 at Johannesburg has been chased only twice ever since South Africa’s international readmission in 1992. Australia was the team on both occasions and they won by two wickets both times. Australia chased down 294 and 310 in 2006 and 2011. South Africa is currently trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, having lost the first Test in Centurion by 113 runs. It was the first time that South Africa had lost in Centurion to an Asian side in Tests.

The rain washed out the first two sessions. A steady drizzle in the morning changed to heavy rain in the afternoon. But, the weather improved in the final session. With the drainage facility at Wanderers excellent, Tea was taken early. After the end of the break, a total of 34 overs were deemed by the officials to be bowled. In case of a result, an extra half an hour would be enforced.

India vs South Africa Test evenly poised

South Africa captain Dean Elgar (46 not out) showed resilience to put his side in cruise control in the India vs South Africa Johannesburg Test. The opener paced his innings cautiously as he utilized 121 deliveries and hit two boundaries to remain unbeaten. Rassie van der Dussen (11 not out) is at the crease. The home side has a chance to level the series after the loss in Centurion. 

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Opening the batting, South Africa lost Aiden Markram (31) and Keegan Petersen (28). South Africa made a strong start that duly tested the formidable Indian bowling line-up. Markram smashed four boundaries in his knock while Petersen’s innings were laced up with four hits to the fence. 

Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane (58) and Cheteshwar Pujara (53) forged an important partnership after resuming the day at 85/2. Rahane smashed eight boundaries and one six in his innings while Pujara hit 10 boundaries in his 86-ball knock. 

However, after their dismissals, Hanuma Vihari (40 not out) played a key innings to help India reach a respectable total. Cameos from Ashwin (16) and Shardul Thakur (28) helped the cause. The visitors were bowled out for 266 runs in the second innings. Mohammed Siraj being the last wicket to fall to pacer Lungi Ngidi. 

Ngidi, incidentally, was also the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with 3/43. Young fast bowler Marco Jansen picked up a three-wicket haul. But conceded 67 runs in his 17 overs spell with star pacer Kagiso Rabada also picking up three wickets.