Hosts India were in striking distance of clinching yet another stellar Test win on home soil after they had visitors South Africa reeling at 132-8 (Follow-On) at Stumps on Day 3 of the third Test at Ranchi.


After bundling out the Proteas for a paltry 162-run total  in their first innings and imposing the follow-on, the Indian bowlers were relentless and put up another collective bowling effort to pick up eight South African wickets in the visitors second innings  at end of play on Day 3. At stumps, the South Africans trailed India by a massive 203 run-margin courtesy India's mammoth 459-run total.

The new ball pair of Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav dented the South African top order after having them on the mats at 22-4. Shami was in sizzling form, accounting for skipper Faf du Plessis , Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza.

Earlier speed merchant Umesh Yadav castled newly promoted opener Quinton De Kock to kick-start the Proteas downfall. Opener Dean Elgar had to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a lethal Umesh Yadav bouncer.

There was some resistance on offer by George Linde and Dane Piedt but Ravindra Jadeja came on his own and castled Piedt. Bavuma didn't stay long at the crease thereafter and became the first international scalp of debutant Shahbaz Nadeem at his individual score of 32.

Wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, who came in next, didn't trouble the scorers much and was bowled by Jadeja after contributing with six runs to South Africa total. Off-spinner R Ashwin picked up the last wicket to fall on the day, dismissing tail-ender Kagiso Rabada.

Brief Scores: India: 497/9 declared; South Africa: 162 all out (Zubayr Hamza 62, Temba Bavuma 32; Umesh Yadav 3/40) & 132/8 (following on) (Theunis de Bruyn 30*, Shami 3/10)