Ganguly avoids ignominy as SAfrica strike back

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

CAPE TOWN, Jan 5 (Reuters) Saurav Ganguly avoided the ignominy of becoming the first player to be timed out in test cricket as South Africa took six wickets against India today.

India were 121 for six in their second innings at tea on the fourth day of the third test, a lead of 162 runs.

Eight minutes passed between the fall of the second wicket and Ganguly's arrival at the crease, which is five minutes longer than he is allowed to avoid being timed out on appeal by the fielding side.

During the delay umpire Darryl Harper could be heard on the stump microphones asking South African captain Graeme Smith not to appeal ''in the spirit of cricket''.

The South Africans did not appeal for Ganguly's wicket.

India began their second innings at the start of today's play, and slipped to six for two in the third over after strikes by fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini.

Steyn had a driving Virender Sehwag caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher for four before Wasim Jaffer(two) gloved a short delivery from Ntini to AB de Villiers at second slip.

Sachin Tendulkar was due to bat next, but was told by the fourth umpire, Murray Brown, he could not do so at that stage.

Tendulkar spent 18 minutes off the field yesterday, which meant he was not allowed to bat until 18 minutes of today's play had elapsed. Jaffer was dismissed in the 13th minute.

Rahul Dravid and Ganguly stabilised the innings with a stand of 84 which lasted until the seventh over after lunch, when Ganguly (46) steered a delivery from fast bowler Jacques Kallis to Herschelle Gibbs in the gully.

India were reduced to 114 for five when VVS Laxman was run out for one by Shaun Pollock's throw from deep square leg.

Medium pacer Pollock struck again with what became the last ball before tea when he trapped Tendulkar in front for 14, leaving Dinesh Karthik alone at the crease on one not out.

Reuters PDS RN1951

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