The cracks are still there on the pitch but they have not widened enough. The footmarks are getting bigger and will cause some problems for the batsmen. The spinners will enjoy bowling in the rough. The overcast conditions will help the pacers a bit provided they bowl well.
On Day 3, it was all about the four-hour long grind by Kallis to take South Africa in a decent position.
India struck early on Day 3 picking up three wickets. Kallis and AB de Villiers then came together to add 127 runs at decent pace. De Villiers scored his 34th Test fifty but Ravindra Jadeja then struck to remove him just before Tea.
Kallis and JP Duminy and were made to toil hard for runs as the Indians bowled tight lines. Duminy got out to Jadeja just before rain stopped play.
Jadeja (4/87) was the star of the day for India.
Dhoni introduced Jadeja right from the beginning and he was absolutely tireless. With the pitch turning a bit, Jadeja hit a line just outside off and looked to take the ball away from the right handers.
Jadeja kept pitching it on the right spot and there were no easy runs for the South Africans. Dhoni kept rotating his pacers from the other end, but they didn't get too much purchase.
South Africa are still 35 runs adrift of India and if they can take a lead of close to 100, it can be a tough grind for India on the last two days.

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