Nagpur, South Africa struck three blows before Virender Sehwag's defiant half century helped India reach 119 for three in reply to the visitors' mammoth first innings score of 558 at lunch on the third day of the first Test here today.

The pace duo of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel dished out fiery spells to dismiss in-form opener Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay and ace batsman Sachin Tendulkar cheaply before the home team recovered through the enterprise shown by Sehwag.

Sehwag's typically aggressive knock of 63 included eight fours in 90 balls. In his company was debutant Subramaniam Badrinath (21), who faced 54 balls.

The fourth wicket duo came together when the hosts were in deep rut at 56 for three at the fall of Tendulkar's wicket in the 15th over.