We look forward to three possibilities on day 4 of the third Test between South Africa and Pakistan at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Monday, writes SIMON LEWIS.
1) Steyn to join the Magnificent Seven
The legendary Dale Steyn has shifted up into joint 8th spot on the all-time Test bowling list and now needs one wicket to draw level with the legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev in joint seventh spot. On day four at the Wanderers Steyn could pick up two more wickets to make the number seven spot his own as South Africa bowl Pakistan out to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
After that … does the Phalaborwa Express have the legs (and shoulder) to match Courtney Walsh’s mark of 519 Test wickets? It’s a tall ask, but he certainly has the heart and the mind for it. Well done, King Dale.
2) Ooops … Duanne does it again!
After such an incredible Test series there is no reason to think that Duanne Olivier (1-41 overnight) won’t pick up four more second-innings wickets to complete his fifth five-for of the series (and second 10-wicket haul). These four wickets will also take him past KZN’s Charlie Llewellyn’s mark against the Aussies back in 1902.
That’s the kind of recall that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger green with envy.
3) Pakistan win by four wickets
Pakistan still need 228 runs with 7 wickets in hand. It’s a tough task in the fourth innings, and although their batsmen have struggled in the series, there is tremendous quality in their lineup when they get set at the crease.
‘They’ve got a couple of decent batsmen still in the mix, so we have to box cleverly tomorrow,’ said Quinton de Kock on Sunday evening.
If Pakistan win, then the runs will come (and quickly!) from Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shadab Khan – and they will win with at least four wickets standing. After all, their tail is thin, and if the Proteas dig into them then it’s tickets for Pakistan … and 3-0 for the Proteas.
Visuals: SuperSport
