Proteas surrender on 265

The Proteas made the best of unpredictable conditions, despite being bowled out on day one. The third test against India started in Kanpur this morning on a spinner friendly pitch, that already looked 5 days old. Some have even questioned whether it presents some danger for the batsmen.

There was evidence of a lot of bounce for the spinners today and the patchy wicket made life difficult for the batsmen. But the Proteas started well and reached a solid, but patient 80 for 1 at lunch.

The slow bowlers definitely had some assistance, but there was also something in it for Ishant Sharma, who took 3 for 55 in 12 overs - bo! wling Amla, Boucher and Harris. Among the slow bowlers (for whom the pitch was prepared), Chawla took 2, while Sehwag and Singh took 1 each.

But the star bowler was Harbajan Singh. Getting a lot of bounce and turn, the spinner took 3 for 52 in 31 overs. India coach Gary Kirsten's pre-series forecast that Singh will be a match winner, might just come true in the second innings (if there is one).

Is there a chance that India could be bowled out twice for less than 265? Yes. Based on the second test collapse we saw at Ahmedabad and a deteriorating pitch, we could see Steyn, Morkel and Ntini soften up the top order again before Paul H! arris
takes advantage of the conditions and produces a ma! tch winn ing effort.

South Africa showed some composure to reach 265 all out, but obviously would've loved to bat as long as possible. The top three stood out: McKenzie got 36, Smith got 69 and Amla got 51 in tough conditions.

Proteas Manager Logan Naidoo told me that the players want to make history (with series wins against Pakistan, Bangladesh and India on a tour of the sub-continent) and win the last test at all costs - then he joked that hopefully they'll be on their way home in 3 days.

Not a bad forecast Mr Naidoo. We already know India can lose it. Combine that with losing the toss, batting last and facing a patient Proteas batting line-up and it seems India are on the backfoot...unless they survive a vicious and balanced Proteas bowling attack on a 'dangerous' pitch.