Dane Piedt led a weary fightback against India A, but even his best efforts, taking four wickets, could not prevent the hosts piling up 342-6 in the first innings of the second unofficial Test in Wayanad on Wednesday.
South Africa A, who were bowled out for a disappointing 260 by close of play on the first day – from a strong position of 204-3 – now trail by 82 runs.
There was precious little reward for the bowlers when play resumed today as openers Jiwanjot Singh and Abhinav Mukund put on 96 for the first wicket, when Lonwabo Tsotsobe had Jiwanjot caught behind for a well-worked 52. Another 17 overs were to pass, when India A were 168-1 before the off-spinner made his first inroads into the line-up, removing Mukund (72) and Baba Aparajith (34) in successive overs.
Piedt wheeled away relentlessly, picking up another two wickets on either side of a second strike by Tsotsobe (his 200th first-class wicket), but the Indian were largely untroubled and kept up a decent run-rate of close to four an over.
South Africa commanded three of the four days of the first Test, until the Indians blocked them out for a draw, but they are well on the back foot in this match.
It was a bitter-sweet day for Piedt, who was taken for 154 from his 34 overs. He broke the Indians last time out , taking 5-85 in their first innings.
