The battle between South Africa and India in the ongoing second Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg has reached an exciting stage. While the hosts need 122 runs to win the contest to level the three-match series, the visiting side requires eight wickets for victory to seal their first-ever series triumph in the rainbow nation.
In these thrilling encounters, the tempers are expected to flare, and a glimpse of such was seen when Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and South African fielder Rassie van der Dussen got involved in a verbal spat with each other.
It all happened when Pant came to bat during India’s second innings on Day 3, and van der Dussen, who was fielding at short leg, tried to say something to him. Pant responded and suggested van der Dussen to keep his mouth shut.
The stump microphone picked up the verbal spat involving both the cricketers, and video of the unpleasant exchange went viral on the internet. It seemed like a clear tactic of the home team to disturb Pant’s concentration which worked out as the 24-year-old got out for a three-ball duck.
Here is the video:
https://twitter.com/im_maqbool/status/1478664900566138882
India were eventually bundled out for 266, giving the hosts a target of 240 runs to chase. For the tourists, experienced batters Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58) smashed respective half-centuries to put India in a competitive position.
In response, South Africa did lose two wickets but managed to cut short the winning target from 240 to 122 with eight wickets in hand at the end of Day 3. Captain Dean Elgar exhibited tremendous grit and determination to stay unbeaten for 46 as the hosts scored 118/2 at stumps. Along with Elgar, van der Dussen was also unbeaten on 11 after facing 37 deliveries and kept have the hopes of Proteas fans alive.
