Cape Town, Jan 2: Wasim Jaffer led India's batting renaissance with a century as the visitors seized the early initiative in the series-deciding third and final cricket Test against South Africa here today. Jaffer, barely lucky to make the 11, slammed 116 to power the Indians to 254 for 3 at close on the first day, the highlight of which was the 153-run opening stand the Mumbai batsman shared with a new partner in Dinesh Kaarthick. Kaarthick, playing a Test after a gap of 16 months, made a gritty 63 from 240 minutes and 170 balls inclusive of seven fours and did not allow the hosts a wicket till the first two sessions..
Scorecard
Although India lost three wickets in the final session, including the one of Jaffer, they looked set for a good first innings total and putting the hosts under pressure. There is a huge, rough, abrasive area around the good length spot for a left-hander which could be of absolutely lethal assistance to ace spinner Anil Kumble, more so since India would be bowling last on this track. Captain Rahul Dravid (29) did his side a huge favour by winning the toss and asking Kaarthick to step in the opener's slot, necessitated by Virender Sehwag's poor form.
Jaffer went into his stride early, leading India to 61 for no loss by lunch and reaching his half century, as well as his 1,000th run in Tests, by driving Shaun Pollock (1-32) straight down the ground on resumption. Kaarthick too reached his landmark, though he had a slice of luck on 32 when Graeme Smith at first slip dropped a catch off Pollock with the score on 95 for no loss. The two openers duly completed the first century stand by Indian openers ever in South Africa and advanced the total to 153 for no loss by tea.
Kaarthick was dismissed soon on resumption by debutant left-arm spinner Paul Harris, caught close to the wicket by Hashim Amla, as South Africa finally managed their first success of the day. Dravid got into his stride quickly, driving and flicking boundaries at will before Pollock tied him down with the most incisive spell of the day. Pollock bowled with great heart and accuracy at the fag-end of the day and finally had his man when Dravid edged him behind the stumps for 29 runs, made from 63 minutes and 58 balls and including five fours.
Just before Dravid was out, Jaffer completed his century by flicking Harris for three, the relief on his face being evident as he knelt on the turf in thanks giving. Jaffer batted for six hours and hit 15 fours from 244 balls, this being his third century in his 17th Test. Sachin Tendulkar (28) looked assured in the final hour he spent at the crease and negotiated the South African quicks, armed with the second new ball, with a measure of confidence.
Scorecard(Agencies)
