3rd Test: In Dale Steyn's absence, Morne Morkel torments Indian batsmen on rank turner

Morkel picked three key wickets of Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli on Day 1 of the third Test against India.

New Delhi: South African speedster Morne Morkel put all talks about Dale Steyn's absence from the third Test to rest, with a fantastic spell of pace bowling on the opening day of the third Test match against Virat Kohli-led India.

Morkel, who has failed to do justice with his bowling over the years, was a different bowler at Nagpur on Wednesday, where he troubled the Indian batsmen with his variation and was rewarded for some superb bowling.

Morkel started the day with the strategy to bowl short to Murali Vijay, and it worked as the right-hander looked vulnerable against Morkel. Later on, Morkel won the battle with a length ball which shaped away after pitching and trapped Vijay in front of the wicket.

Morkel also bagged another key wicket of Ajinkya Rahane, who was beaten by reverse swing off another length ball which uprooted his off-stump.

That was not the end for Morkel as he got Virat Kohli out caught behind, as the skipper once again tried to play a ball which was pitched outside the off-stump.

Before the play began, the pitch report said the track would assist spinners but Morkel made the team management proud with a fascinating spell of pace bowling.

Unfortunately, Morkel walked off the field due to a hamstring in latter part of the day and South Africa would be hoping it is nothing serious since they need him to bowl more of such spells in the remaining series.