Cricket: Thakur bags seven wickets as India move into 58-run lead – Gulf Digital News

Cricket: Thakur bags seven wickets as India move into 58-run lead – Gulf Digital News

Seamer Shardul Thakur bagged a seven-wicket haul for India on Tuesday but the second test against South Africa remained delicately poised after the second day’s play at the Wanderers.

South Africa had a slender 27-run first innings advantage after being bowled out for 229 with India 85-2 in their second innings at the close.

KL Rahul, the stand-in skipper in place of injured Virat Kohli, and Mayank Agarwal both perished but Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane went after the home bowling in the last half hour to guide India to a 58-run lead.

Rahul was out to a sharp catch in the slips for eight off Marco Jansen’s bowling and Agarwal was trapped leg before wicket for 23 by Duanne Olivier.

Pujara, 35 not out off 42 balls, and Rahane (11) resume on day three, with both needing solid knocks to not only help India to set South Africa a daunting last innings target but also to try and retain their places in the team after a run of poor form.

India are chasing a first ever series victory in South Africa and lead 1-0 after their 113-run opening-test victory.

Thakur, 30, posted career best figures of 7-61 -- the best return by an Indian