This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
Published on October 5, 2019, India declared their second innings on 323 for four in Visakhapatnam, setting South Africa 395 to win on the final day of the third Test.
South Africa were 11 for one at stumps with Aiden Markram, on three, and Theunis de Bruyn, on five, at the crease.
Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who made 81 in India's second innings, said, "We picked up a crucial wicket, so as a team we are happy with the way things went today and hope to start off well (tomorrow).">
"It will not be easy to bat on this pitch on day five, with a little more assistance for the spinners. And with variable bounce, even the fast bowlers will come into play," Pujara added.
India's Rohit Sharma made 176 in India's first innings of 502 for seven declared, becoming the first batsman to hit two tons in his first match as a Test opener.
Sharma also hit 13 sixes, the most in a Test match, breaking Wasim Akram's record of 12.
Proteas in Good Spirit ¶
South Africa's Vernon Philander said, "We have had a really good first innings with the bat. The guys are in good spirits. It is going to be a challenge but one we look forward to,"
"There is no game that is a safe game. The batters are looking in good form and hopefully we can get a good start tomorrow," Philander added.
