Morkel strikes early in India's second innings (Lunch Report)

South African pacer Morne Morkel struck a couple of early blows as India posted 51/2 in their second innings at lunch on the third day of the fourth and final cricket Test at the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium here on Saturday.

Morkel claimed two wickets to return figures of 2/10. Shikhar Dhawan (20 not out) and Cheteshwar Pujara (27 not out) were in the middle at the break. India have extended their lead to 264 runs.

Morkel bowled a fiery spell, beating the batsmen frequently with his pace and movement. Fellow pacer Kyle Abbott was also bowling well at the other end as the Indians took time to open their account.

The hosts lost two quick wickets when Morkel sent back opener Murali Vijay (3) and the off-colour Rohit Sharma (0) in quick succession.

Vijay was surprised by the extra bounce of a Morkel delivery that appeared to brush his gloves on the way to the wicketkeeper. But television replays later showed that the ball did not touch his gloves.

Rohit fell victim to the first ball he faced, a beautiful delivery from Morkel that generally held its line with a slight outward movement after pitching on the good length spot.

Rohit probably expected the ball to angle in, and could only watch helplessly as his offstump was uprooted.