IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 3: Ashwin Ends de Kock-du Plessis' 75-Run Stand, Proteas Trail By 465 Runs At Lunch

It was for the first time since 2001 that top five batsmen were dismissed by India's pace bowlers in a home Test innings

India speedsters Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami dominated the Proteas batsmen to leave them reeling at 136/6, trailing by 465 runs at Lunch on Day 3 of the second Test at Pune. It was for the first time since 2001 that top five batsmen were dismissed by India's pace bowlers in a home Test innings. South Africa's 75-run stand between Quinton de Kock- Faf du Plessis was broken by R Ashwin, just before lunch. Team India had plenty in their kitty to stay happy as South Africa were struggling on 36/3 and trailed by 565 runs with 7 wickets remaining in their innings at stumps on Day 2. Proteas started Day 3 with Theunis de Bruyn and nightwatchman Anrich Nortje out on the crease. A beautiful out-swinger by paceman Mohammad Shami dismissed Anrich Nortje as he edged the ball straight to skipper Kohli at slips.

🍲 Lunch time in Pune on day three!

Faf du Plessis is the lone man fighting as South Africa lose three wickets for 100 runs in the first session. They still trail India by 465 runs. Follow #INDvSA LIVE ▶️ https://t.co/MO1tirNpXK pic.twitter.com/jDglGqju83 — ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2019

After Shami got Nortje packing early morning, out came skipper Faf du Plessis, hoping to fight back with first session being perfectly controlled by Indian bowlers. Just few balls after Nortje's departure, a superb catch from 'underdog' Wriddhiman Saha ended de Bruyn innings on 30 to give Umesh Yadav his third wicket. South Africa were in deep trouble with half of their side back in the pavilion, reeling at 53/5 after just 22 overs. Skipper Kohli introduced offie Ashwin into the attack just before drinks. Du Plessis and Quinton De Kock rebuild their innings by stitching together a 75-run partnership. Just when South Africa put 100-run on board, veteran Ashwin shattered both - their hopes and  De Kock's bails - to give India its 6th wicket of the day, just before Lunch.