3rd Test, India vs South Africa Day 4 preview: South Africa hapless, victory a matter of time for India

South Africa have managed to take this Test into the fourth day. That’s the one positive that came out of a nightmarish third day for the Proteas in Ranchi. India picked 16 wickets on the  day, first snuffing out South Africa for 162 in the first innings, enforcing the follow on, and then going even better by reduced them to 132/8.

India now need just two more wickets to seal a 3-0 sweep, and the question isn’t so much as how long India will take to win as how many deliveries can survive. This was, in every way, an absolute show of dominance from the home side, just as much as it was a reflection of how far South Africa have fallen in the order of things.

There were only positives for India. Umesh Yadav once again proved he must be considered for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, at the very least, and the trip to New Zealand thereafter. Shahbaz Nadeem, a fairytale last-minute inclusion after over a decade of waiting, finally had his first Test wicket, when he dismissed Temba Bavuma in the first innings. He added the scalp of Anrich Nortje to that list, and there’s nothing to say he won’t add two more tomorrow.

As for the Indian pacemen, they continued to raise their standards – what a time it is to be an Indian fan of 30 years or above – with Mohammed Shami taking three wickets in the second innings to go with his two in the first, and Umesh Yadav adding two to his tally of three. South Africa are down, and more or less out.

The writing was on the wall for the visitors when Dean Elgar retired hurt even as their top order crumbled in the second innings. Theunis de Bruyn, his concussion substitute, at least scored a 42-ball 30*, and remains their only hope of saving some dignity. Even if he does something remarkable tomorrow, for South Africa, the ignominy of this series defeat will take some washing away.

Key players

Shahbaz Nadeem (India): After making his first-class debut in 2003, Nadeem finally made his Test debut in 2019. The hope for him is that he can get as many Test wickets as soon as possible, and he’ll have that in mind come Tuesday morning, although whether the pacemen leave any wickets for him remains to be seen.

Theunis de Bruyn (South Africa): There really is not much salvaging South Africa can do from here. But de Bruyn can do his own standing no harm. He’s already unbeaten on 30, and will be hopeful of defying India’s terrifying attack as long as possible, to get some Test creds for himself in the process.

Prediction

India to complete the sweep within a maximum of 10 overs in the morning.