For a task as enormous as this, South Africa could count on a little bit of providence to make one of two days a little less overwhelming.
The fourth day of the second Test of the India South Africa series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata saw South Africa survive, largely due to Hashim Amla and unseasonal weather.
On a day when the Indian spinners were pulling out all stops, South Africa would feel relieved that the weather, rain intermingled with bad light, came to their rescue, delaying the start of play by an hour and a half. Further interruptions only added to India’s frustrations even as they were delicately slicing into the South African stronghold.
The South African captain, Graeme Smith, was the first to fall just before lunch to a plumb lbw by Amit Mishra. Alviro Petersen became the second victim of the day, Harbhajan Singh picking up his first victim. The day was not done before Mishra picked up his second wicket, that of Jacques Kallis.
Ashwell Prince played just four deliveries, joining the man of the moment in the South African camp, Hashim Amla, before light once again forced the players off the field after tea. It left South Africa at 3 down for 115, but more importantly, South Africa live to fight another day.
A lot will now rest on the conditions, which South Africa hope will worsen on the final day, and also, on how long Amla can hold off the Indians.
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