South Africa pace duo leave India reeling in second test

DURBAN, South Africa, Dec 28 (Reuters) Pacemen Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel claimed five wickets between them to put South Africa in a strong position at lunch on the third day of the second test against India today.

India reached the interval on 183 for eight in reply to the home side's first innings total of 328.

Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman resumed on 103-3 and took their partnership to 64 before Tendulkar attempted to cut an angled, short delivery from Ntini and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

Tendulkar, who was dropped on 21 yesterday, hit 11 fours in his 63, India's top score.

Three balls later Sourav Ganguly fended a rising, short delivery from Ntini to Herschelle Gibbs in the gully to be dismissed without scoring.

Debutant Morkel took his first test wicket when Mahendra Dhoni edged a drive to AB de Villiers at second slip after scoring a brisk 34.

The dismissal ended a steadying partnership of 54 that Dhoni shared with Laxman.

Morkel claimed his second victim in his next over when Anil Kumble drove wildly and was caught behind by Boucher for nought.

Zaheer Khan then skied a Morkel delivery to Hashim Amla at short leg for two with what became the last ball before lunch, leaving Laxman alone at the crease on 28 not out.

Ntini has figures of 3-41, while Morkel's read 3-55.

Umpire Mark Benson left the field in the fifth over of the day because of heart palpitations, Cricket South Africa media liaison officer Gordon Templeton told reporters.

Templeton said Benson was taken to hospital and he was replaced on the field by third umpire Ian Howell.

India lead the three-match series 1-0.

REUTERS DH VV1618