Shami third fastest Indian pacer to 200 Test wickets

Pacer Mohammed Shami claimed his 200th Test wicket and completed figures of 5/44 as hosts South Africa were bowled out for 197 on the third day of the first Test on Tuesday.

India were sitting pretty on 16 for one in their second innings at the close, a lead of 146 that already looks imposing for the home side on a Centurion Park wicket that will get harder to bat on.

The Bengal seamer, who got to 200 wickets in his 55th Test, is the third fastest among the Indian seamers behind Kapil Dev (50 Tests) and Javagal Srinath (54 Tests). Overall, he is the fifth Indian pace bowler reach the landmark of 200 Test wickets.

Shami led the Indian attack with a superb bowling display, eking out every ounce of assistance from the helpful conditions on an eventful third day, which saw 18 wickets fall during the day.

"Test match cricket is not rocket science. Understanding the conditions was crucial... it had rained a bit and I just wanted to hit the right lengths," Shami said after the day's play.

"While coming through the ranks, no bowler thinks about this (getting 200 wickets). They just dream of playing for India. It's all about hard work... when you put in the work, results follow."

Shami's haul included the wicket of South Africa's top-scorer Temba Bavuma, who had reached 52 when he edged to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.