Smith puts South Africa on course for win

CAPE TOWN, Jan 6 (Reuters) Graeme Smith's half-century put South Africa on course for a series clinching win over India in the third test today.

Captain Smith, who scored 94 in the first innings, made 55 as South Africa, who need 211 to win, reached 162 for four in their second innings at tea on the last day.

Rain halted play for almost four hours earlier today.

India were dismissed for 414 in their first innings, to which South Africa replied with 373. The visitors were bowled out for 169 in their second innings.

Shaun Pollock resumed with opener Smith on South Africa's overnight score of 55 for two.

Pollock scored fluently, and helped Smith add 72 for the third wicket in a stand that was interrupted by the rain.

Left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan ended the partnership in the fifth over after the resumption when he had a driving Smith smartly caught behind by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who dived to take the catch with his left hand.

Khan struck again four overs later when Pollock edged to VVS Laxman at first slip to be dismissed for 37.

South Africa's scoring rate slowed as Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince consolidated. Kallis was 14 not out at tea with Prince on 13.

Khan has taken three for 56.

India won the first test by 123 runs in Johannesburg, before South Africa levelled the series, winning by 174 runs in Durban.

Reuters SAM RN2054