It was a long journey, but Dane Piedt can say he is well and truly back after taking his second five-for in successive matches against India A
The Cobras offspinner completed his haul when play in the second unofficial Test resumed on Thursday. It was a much more industrious affair this time around, following his 5-85 in the first unofficial Test. He ended the rain-shortened day on 5-191 off 45 overs.
South Africa needed quick wickets in the morning after India had closed on Wednesday 82 runs ahead with four wickets in hand, and Piedt and Hardus Viljoen obliged within five overs, reducing India to 348-8. But the tail wagged languidly and when stumps were drawn, with just 28 overs having been bowled, the hosts were 417-8, leading by 157.
It will take a clear day and a judicious declaration for India to get a victory out of this match.
It was the 12th five-wicket haul of Piedt’s career, but it demonstrated he is over the shoulder injury which occurred just after he had made a Test debut against Zimbabwe last year.
