South Africa reach 107/3, extend lead to 395 in second Test against India
Guwahati (PTI): India spinner Ravindra Jadeja dismissed South African openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram as the visitors reached 107 for 3 at tea in their second innings -- taking an overall lead of 395 runs -- on day four of the second Test here on Tuesday.
The stalwart first broke a 59-run opening stand between Rickelton (35 off 64 balls) and Markram (29 off 84 balls) by dismissing the former. He then bowled Markram to reduce the Proteas to 74/2.
Washington Sundar then got the wicket of Temba Bavuma as South Africa were reduced to 77/3. Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi then batted resolutely to remain unbeaten at 14 and 21 runs respectively.
The Proteas, who began the day at the overnight score of 26 without loss, added 81 runs in the opening session.
On Monday, India were bundled out for 201 in response to South Africa's first-innings total of 489.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 1st Innings: 489 & 107 for 3 in 40 overs (Ryan Rickelton 35, Aiden Markram 29; Ravindra Jadeja 2/20).
India 1st Innings: 201 in 83.5 overs.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
