Despite India remaining completely in control, the first session on day three was highlighted by a composed performance from Zubayr Hamza who hit his maiden half-century, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Hamza has been knocking on the door for quite some time now. There was talk about who was next in line for the Proteas Test side after the opening two defeats and the answer was sitting in the dugout. He proved that in his innings.
READ: WHO IS NEXT IN LINE FOR A TEST CALL UP?
The 24-year-old showed patience in his performance, he dotted it out, took his time before playing strokes and made the batting look easier than the rest of his compatriots.
The youngster came to to the crease after the Proteas lost Dean Elgar for a duck. He then had to deal with losing Quinton de Kock at the end of day two and then his skipper Faf du Plessis for 1 in the opening minutes of day three.
Hamza showed composure, hitting classy boundaries and playing well off the back foot, while still maintaining a solid defence and composed front-foot shots when needed. He also showed his attacking ability when he hit a six down the ground to bring up his 50.
Ravindra Jadeja spoilt the only entertainment the Proteas provided. He bowled Hamza who was looking to flick a delivery off the back foot. Instead, the ball sped on, beat his bat, and hit leg stump.
Shortly after Hamza’s wicket, the Proteas lost Temba Bavuma’s wicket too, he was stumped on 32, after he skipped unnecessarily down the ground when the Proteas needed him to stay rational and play low-risk cricket. This was Shahbaz’ maiden Test wicket.
Jadeja removed Heinrich Klaasen too, he drifted one in towards leg and it spun away hitting the batter’s off-stump.
The Proteas ended the session on 129/6.
After the break, the Proteas were knocked over for 162. George Linde scored 37 and India enforced the follow-on.
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