Twitter reactions: Dean Elgar stands tall in South Africa’s run-chase against India in 2nd Test

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South Africa captain Dean Elgar exhibited excellent fightback to keep India bowlers at bay on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Elgar spent three tough hours to stand tall against a top-quality Indian attack in their run chase of 240. The Proteas captain stayed unbeaten on 46 as the hosts ended the day at 118/2.

Rassie Van der Dussen provided good support to his skipper in an unbeaten 25-run stand that lasted for 76 deliveries. South Africa need 122 more runs to win the Johannesburg Test in order to level the series.

For India, Shardul Thakur provided the first breakthrough after he dismissed Aiden Markram (31), who formed a strong opening partnership with Elgar of 47 runs. After the dismissal of Markram, the home team were off to another important partnership between Elgar and Keegan Petersen, who put together 46 runs for the second wicket.

The partnership between Elgar and Petersen was finally ended by Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The offie got rid of Petersen by trapping him in front for a well-made 28-run knock.

Earlier, India’s senior batting duo of Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58) stitched a crucial 111-run stand for the third wicket to keep the momentum with the visitors. However, Kagiso Rabada (3/77) brought back South Africa into the game by dismissing both Pujara, and Rahane followed by Rishabh Pant for a three-ball duck.

Hanuma Vihari (40 no), Thakur (28 off 24) and Ashwin (16 off 14) chipped in with valuable contributions down the order to help India finish their second innings at 266.

Here is how Twitter reacted:​

Is #deanelgar wearing extra skin? Outstanding determination!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 5, 2022

Have no idea how South Africa are 114 for 2 on that
Weve got to start appreciating Dean Elgar and Dimuth Karunaratne more. Two of test crickets most understated, but bloody minded openers of the last few years.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 5, 2022

Dean Elgar is playing an innings similar to the one played by Cheteshwar Pujara at the Gabba last year. If he stays, SA will win this. #INDvSA

— Bodhisattva #DalitLivesMatter ???️‍? (@insenroy) January 5, 2022

Dean Elgar is as tough as nails. Took some serious blows to the body & pushed through. Now to take us home & over the line tomorrow. Quality knock so far skipper #INDvSA

— IG:dalinoliver (@DalinOliver) January 5, 2022

An engrossing day of play in Johannesburg!

Dean Elgar leads from the front with a gritty 46*, taking South Africa to stumps with just two wickets down.

A scintillating fourth day awaits ?#WTC23 | #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/hyzyimZzNr

— ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2022

That's Stumps on Day 3 of the second #SAvIND Test!

South Africa move to 118/2 at the close of play & need 122 runs more.

We will see you tomorrow for Day 4 action.

Scorecard https://t.co/b3aaGXmBg9 pic.twitter.com/YhHvV165cY

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2022

Work to be done on Day 4⃣ now.

All ?s on the bowlers. ?#SAvIND #SaddaPunjab pic.twitter.com/KEGvD8DrEh

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) January 5, 2022

??? STUMPS! The odds are against us. We badly need a breakthrough first thing in the morning to get back on track!

? Let's start fresh tomorrow, boys. We can do this ??

? Getty • #INDvSA #INDvsSA #TeamIndia #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/XS7TEnbqIm

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) January 5, 2022

STUMPS, DAY 3⃣

Ash and Thakur provided breakthroughs for #TeamIndia, while Dean Elgar was a rock for the Proteas in a fascinating final session.

?? ?? Need runs
?? ?? Need wickets

Who will emerge victorious at The Bullring tomorrow ?#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/zHdzh6MXLT

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) January 5, 2022

DAY 3 | STUMPS

The #Proteas end Day 3 of the 2nd Betway Test requiring a further 122 runs for victory with 8 wickets in hand

?? #Proteas 118/2 after 40 overs#SAvIND #FreedomTestSeries #BetwayTestSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/8BnvHlFZrw

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 5, 2022

South Africa makes a solid start in the second innings. #SAvIND
Scorecard: https://t.co/EDji9N83KP pic.twitter.com/jQT9J6f8xu

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 5, 2022

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