Spinner Simon Harmer led an inspired South African attack on Monday. He left India staggering at 102-4 at the first break. This occurred on day three of the second Test.
India trail by 387 runs in response to South Africa’s total. The Proteas scored 489 runs on a batting-friendly pitch in Guwahati.
Skipper Rishabh Pant was batting on six runs at the break. Ravindra Jadeja accompanied him, yet to score any runs.
Play started 30 minutes early in the northeastern city. Officials reverse the order of breaks because of early sunsets. The shorter tea interval now comes before lunch.
South Africa won the first Test in the two-match series. They now chase their first series victory in India since 2000. Hansie Cronje’s team achieved that historic triumph 24 years ago.
Yashasvi Jaiswal lost his overnight partner KL Rahul early. This happened in the first hour of play. Jaiswal then reached his 13th Test half-century.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rahul for 22 runs. The delivery turned and jumped off the turf sharply. It took the edge and Aiden Markram caught it at first slip.
Spinners including Maharaj and Harmer extracted significant turn from the pitch. Maharaj finished with figures of 1-29 from his spell. Harmer claimed 2-39 in his bowling stint.
Opener Jaiswal used the sweep shot to good effect. He took on the bowlers with aggressive intent. Jaiswal struck seven boundaries and one six before his departure.
Harmer forced Jaiswal to mistime a shot to backward point. The spinner then struck again in his next over. He had Sai Sudharsan caught at mid-wicket for 15 runs.
Marco Jansen removed Dhruv Jurel for a duck immediately afterwards. This put India further on the back foot. The hosts now attempt to stay alive in the match.
World Test champions South Africa grabbed the early advantage decisively. They posted a big first-innings total after electing to bat. The captain’s decision proved correct on this batting-friendly surface.
Senuran Muthusamy top-scored with 109 runs in the first innings. His century provided the foundation for South Africa’s commanding position. The left-hander’s knock proved crucial for the visitors.
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