India stretch lead against South Africa

India wrapped up the South African tail and took a potentially valuable lead on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday. Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma finished with four wickets apiece as South Africa were bowled out for 244, giving India a first innings lead of 36, which they stretched to 67 as they reached 31 for one at lunch. South African opening bowler Vernon Philander claimed his 100th Test wicket in his 19th Test when he had Shikhar Dhawan caught at second slip for 15. But South Africa suffered what could be a major blow when fellow fast bowler Morne Morkel twisted awkwardly on his right ankle while chasing a ball in the outfield shortly before lunch. He had to be assisted from the field. Philander reached the 100 wicket mark faster than any other South African, achieving the feat in one Test fewer than teammate Dale Steyn. South Africa made a confident start to the day after resuming on 213 for six, with Philander punching two short-pitched deliveries from Ishant Sharma through the covers for four. The first boundary brought up his third Test half-century. Sharma and Khan soon found their rhythm, again bowling mainly to a full length on a pitch with unpredictable bounce. The left-armed Khan made a ball nip away off the seam to have Philander caught behind for 59, made off 86 balls with seven fours. It ended a seventh wicket partnership of 80 with Faf du Plessis. Steyn struck two boundaries before fending a sharply-lifting ball from Ishant Sharma to Rohit Sharma at third slip. Du Plessis was caught behind off Khan after making 20 off 77 balls and Khan wrapped up the innings when he bowled Morkel. Khan finished with four for 88 and Ishant Sharma took four for 79. Source: AFP