Azhar stands in the way of South African whitewash

The fourth day should have seen the end of the second Test match. Having bundled out India cheaply in the first innings there was no reason for people to expect any less from them in the second essay. However, the pitch had slowed down considerably and there was almost nothing in it for the fast bowlers. Bowling a good line and length would be crucial.

By not declaring on their overnight score, South Africa kept everyone guessing. India were quick to polish of the last two South African wickets. By this time, South Africa had accumulated a lead of 321. Almost twice what India made in the first innings. There was almost no conceivable way in which India could win this match. To just save it would require a Herculean effort.

Wasim Jaffer looked in good nick early on, especially so when the ball was pitched on leg stump. Flicking the ball through the onside with ease, Jaffer made 23 including five boundaries before he was dismissed by Nicky Boje. Boje then accounted for the struggling Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly.

With the top three gone, the onus was once again on Sachin Tendulkar to take India towards safety. Tendulkar blunted the spin of Boje well, but pace at the other end proved to be his undoing. Allan Donald won another round of his ongoing battle with the Indian captain when he had him caught at gully. Chasing a wide delivery that he should have left well alone, Tendulkar edged the ball straight to Gibbs. Not one to drop catches like that one, Gibbs pouched the catch and celebrated wildly with the rest of the South Africans.

The South Africans knew the importance of getting Tendulkar out early. It was obvious that they saw that the first obstacle in their way was surmounted. The stadium was abuzz with talk that the Indian innings would soon be over.

The two Mohammeds of Indian cricket today - Azharuddin and Kaif showed that there was srill fight left in the Indians. Playing with maturity far beyond his years, Kaif applied himself impeccably to the task at hand. Mixing abundant caution with a sprinkling of aggression, Kaif was going strong when he was adjudged LBW. Kallis bowled a good line and this held him in good stead. Kaif looked distinctly disappointed as the umpire took his time before declaring Kaif out. He made 23 and certainly looked good for more.

At the other end Azharuddin was playing one of his best innings in recent times. Getting close to his fifty with some solid defense, Azhar finally cut loose. Taking on Nicky Boje, Azhar used his feet well, coming down the wicket and hit Boje for a six and a four on the trot.

Nayan Mongia was struggling with a bad back, and first innings top scorer for India Anil Kumble was sent to join Azhar at the fall of Kaif's wicket. Kumble complemented Azhar perfectly and used a straight bat to keep out the South Africans. At stumps on the fourth day, Azhar was going strong on 73 and Kumble kept him good company on 14. With five wickets in hand, India trailed by 125 runs.

Tomorrow, is Sachin Tendulkar's last day as Indian captain. It remains to be seen whether Azhar can make a big hundred and work his way back into the hot seat of Indian captaincy.