Pollock puts South Africa back on top

DURBAN, South Africa, Dec 29 (Reuters) Shaun Pollock clipped an unbeaten 63 to put South Africa back on top in the second test against India today.

India, who need 354 to win, were 18 for one in their second innings at tea on the fourth day. Opener Wasim Jaffer was six not out with captain Rahul Dravid on one.

Pollock top scored in South Africa's second innings of 265 for eight declared. They had resumed on 64 without loss but slid to 143 for six when fast bowler Zaheer Khan dismissed Mark Boucher leg-before for eight.

Pollock and Andrew Hall then halted the slide with a stand of 70 for the seventh wicket.

Sreesanth ended the partnership when he trapped Hall in front for 21 in the sixth over after lunch.

Pollock and debutant Morne Morkel added 52 for the eighth wicket before Morkel, who scored 27, lofted a drive off Virender Sehwag and was at caught at long off.

The unbeaten Pollock faced 99 balls and hit 10 fours. India won the first test of the three-match series.

REUTERS PDS RK1900