The Proteas recovery was led by a brilliant ton by opener Dean Elgar and fluent half tons by skipper Faf Du Plessis (55) and wicket-keeper batsman Quinton De Kock. At tea, Elgar was batting at 133 and skipper De Kock was unbeaten at 69.
After South Africa were tottering at 68 for 4, Elgar showed tremendous grit, composure and temperament to occupy the crease for longer spells of time and stitched handy partnerships with skipper Faf Du Plessis and Quinton De Kock. The Du Plessis- De Kock partnership was the second century partnership in the Proteas innings.
After skipper Du Plessis was dismissed by off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, De Kock joined Elgar to step up the scoring rate by attacking the Indian pacers and bring up his maiden half ton against India.
Earlier in the day, resuming on their overnight score of 39 for 3 , South Africa were dealt an opening blow with Ishant Sharma sending Temba Bavuma back to the pavilion.
India ended Day 2 on a commanding position after racking up a monumental 502-7 in their first innings. The Indian batting display was spearheaded by double centurion Mayank Agarwal. Agarwal was only the third Indian to covert his maiden ton to a double century. Rohit Sharma also made a handy contribution with his maiden ton as Test Opener.
After the terrific batting display, the Indian spinners came to the party by making quick inroads into the South African top order. R Ashwin accounted for Aiden Markram with a beauty of a delivery and sent back Theunis de Bruyn in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja then left the Proteas in dire straits at when he clean bowled Dane Piedt.
India vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 3 TEA
Brief Scores
South Africa - 292-5 (88.2)
Dean Elgar - 133, De Kock - 69
R Ashwin - 3 for 101