India vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 4 Highlights: India in big trouble in 549 chase in Guwahati

"(On missing out on a hundred) Umm, not much. Little bit disappointed. They are already 2 down now so we will take that." 

"(Declaration discussion) It wasn't an overs thing, it was more about time. We had 40 minutes after Lunch. So, I thought I would give it a go and when Jadeja came on, that was the last over. So, I decided that two hits is my best shot."

"(On playing so many sweeps/reverse sweeps) Not really. I thought you had to play sometimes because they were bowling it so wide of the stumps. If you think of defending them, you might get out for a duck. That was more of a defensive shot than anything else." 

"(On the surface) Yeah, there are some nice foot holes there. Harmy (Harmer) showed there getting KL out. So, it will be the same for the lefties for Kesh (Maharaj). If we bowl in the right areas, we will get wickets," said Stubbs. 

So, the umpires have a chat after a look at the light meter and decide it is best to settle the game on Day 5. Another session and another day dominated by South Africa. After setting a target of 549 to chase, Jansen and Harmer combined to dismiss both the Indian openers. 

Sai Sudharsan and Kuldeep Yadav will have a big job on their hands as win seems to be improbable for the Indian team and they will look to salvage a draw in the end. 

For South Africa, Stubbs scored 94 runs and got support from Tony de Zorzi with 49 as South Africa posted 260 runs before declaring. The Proteas are eyeing a clean sweep for the first time on Indian soil since 2000. 

 IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 27/2) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 522 to win. Kuldeep (4*), Sai (2*).  

Sai Sudharsan has survived another major scare as the ball almost rolls on to the stumps after he tries to defend a ball from Maharaj. The Indian batter was on the floor and had to use his bat to prevent the ball from rolling on to the stumps. This has been a struggle for the Indian batters on this track and it has continued on Day 4. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 27/2) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 522 to win. Kuldeep (4*), Sai (2*).  

Sai Sudharsan is auditioning himself once again for the No.3 role and almost found himself in trouble as Simon Harmer was able to get one to go into his stumps. Thankfully for the southpaw, the umpire gave it not out and South Africa went for the review. The ball-tracker shows impact was umpire's call and that saves Sai here. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 26/2) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 523 to win. Kuldeep (4*), Sai (1*).  

Kuldeep Yadav has been sent in at No.4 by India as South Africa have turned to spin before the finish of the day's play. Kuldeep faced 134 balls in the first innings and his job will be to ensure India reach stumps safely and stay in the contest. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 22/2) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 527 to win. Kuldeep (0*), Sai (1*).  

Spin is introduced for the first time by South Africa as Simon Harmer comes on to bowl. And he produces an absolute beauty to clean up Rahul. The Indian opener plays all over the shot and the ball crashes into the stumps and India lose both their openers early. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 21/2) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 528 to win. Kuldeep (0*), Sai (0*).  

Jansen dismisses Jaiswal once again as India lose their first wicket. The Indian opener looks to cut the ball and he manages to get an underedge that flies straight into the hands of Kyle Verreynne. This is the third time that Jansen has dismissed Jaiswal in this series and the Indian opener is fuming at himself. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 17/1) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 532 to win. Rahul (2*), Sai (0*).  

Jaiswal vs Jansen has been fascinating, and it is the Indian opener who throws the punch here with a fine uppercut for six. Jansen responds with a couple tight deliveries as this battle continues to deliver. KL Rahul is yet to get off the mark and he will be looking to be the anchor in this innings as Jaiswal continues to attack. 

India (289, 17/0) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 532 to win. Rahul (2*), Jaiswal (13*).  

After surviving a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, Jaiswal gets off the mark with a nice delicate touch to the boundary off Jansen. He follows it up with a couple of defensive shots but Jansen responds with another one that hits Jaiswal on his right hand. The Indian opener makes it seven from the over with a three and he will continue to take strike. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 7/0) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 542 to win. Rahul (0*), Jaiswal (7*).  

Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Marco Jansen kickstarts the Indian chase and the pacers sets up Jaiswal with a couple of bouncers. Another one surprises Jaiswal and it almost goes to Markram at slips. It seems like the Indian opener is struggling to pick up the delivery because of the shadows as the sun starts to set. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: India (289, 0/0) vs South Africa (489, 260 for five), need 549 to win. Rahul (0*), Jaiswal (0*). 

The light roller is being used before the Indian chase begins. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are heading to the crease and they will have their work cut out. Ideally, the aim will be to see off the day without losing wickets. Kyle Verreynne is pumping the South African players in huddle before going out. 

Just like Marco Jansen in the first innings, Stubbs goes for a big shot and gets bowled by Jadeja. Temba Bavuma calls his batters in as South Africa declare and set a target of 549 runs to chase. Stubbs was dismissed for 94 as South Africa's second innings ended on 260 for five. 

The Indian chase will begin in 10 minutes time and it will be interesting to see their approach in the next three and a half sessions. Will they look for the win or decide to save the match?

Tristan Stubbs miscues a shot and it goes straight to Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer misjduges the timing of his dive and drops the catch to give Stubbs a chance to get to his hundred. And he adds salt into wounds of the Indian team with a fine six off Jadeja to move into 90s. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 260 for 5), lead by 548 runs. Stubbs (94*), Mulder (35*)    

Tristan Stubbs has moved into the 80s with a boundary and a couple off Ravindra Jadeja, keeping the momentum going. He played a fine reverse sweep to a full delivery on middle, getting low and placing it wide of backward point along the ground for four.

Rishabh Pant paused to change his shoes and get taped on his right leg, with physios giving him some attention near the dugout. He looked to have hurt his toe, prompting immediate strapping before he returned to the field. The brief delay raised a few concerns, as there is a break in play.
 

Nitish Reddy tried to outfox Stubbs with a slower delivery, following him down the leg side, but the batter cleverly created room and swung it powerfully towards deep mid-wicket. Jasprit Bumrah moved across to his left and appeared to have it covered, only to fumble and allow the ball to race away for four. Reddy’s frustration deepened as Stubbs punished him again off the very next delivery, finding the boundary once more to keep the momentum firmly with his side.
 

Mohammed Siraj is down and clutching his right shoulder, and this does not look good for India. After a full delivery was flicked wide of deep backward square-leg, Siraj chased it down but appeared to misjudge the pick-up. The moment he released the throw, he grabbed at his shoulder and grimaced in pain, immediately signalling trouble. He has now walked off for treatment, with DDP coming on as a substitute fielder. This could be a worrying development for India, given the workload on their bowlers in this innings.

It looks like Tristan Stubbs is now firmly targeting his hundred. He began the over by guiding Nitish Reddy down to third man for a couple, edging closer to the milestone. Reddy, though, has kept him honest with fuller deliveries that have produced a series of inside edges. One dropped short of the bowler, another glanced off the back pad and rolled past leg stump, forcing Rishabh Pant into a sharp dive to his left. Stubbs even charged down the pitch looking for a big shot, only for the inside edge to thud into his pad.

Tristan Stubbs has changed his gloves. Perhaps there’s a message from the South African dressing room — time to go hard before the declaration? The visitors now lead by 519, surpassing some of the biggest leads ever held by touring teams in India. The last time a visiting side dominated to this extent was in Nagpur, 2004, when Australia piled on the runs on a pitch that began as a green seamer.

How much longer will South Africa bat? For what it’s worth, the next batter is already padded up.
 

Nitish Reddy starts off with one going down the leg. Stubbs flicks it away for the single. Hitting the 130 kph mark here. He goes a tad fuller on the 6th stump line against Mulder, who calmly lets it go to the keeper. Another fuller length here which tailed back in here and got the edge towards KL Rahul at slips but did not carry enough here. Perhaps signs of some reverse-swing on offer? 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 222 for 4), lead by 510 runs. Stubbs (62*), Mulder (29*)  
 

Well it is Ravindra Jadeja who will start the final session. Positive start as he taps one to long-on and takes the single. We have roughly 28 overs left in the day. Looks like Nitish is coming in to bowl up next

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 221 for 4), lead by 509 runs. Stubbs (61*), Mulder (29*)  

The Indian team are all huddled up here and Rishabh Pant would need to give out a real inspirational message if they are to come back with a win from here. Minutes away from the final session of play on Day 2. 

Nitish Reddy can be seen having a chat with Indian fielding coach, T Dilip and has the ball in hand. Possibly a sign that he could be coming out to bowl in the final session. Stay tuned as we have the final session of play coming up. Also to note, we could lose 10 minutes of play if South Africa chooses to declare now. 

Signs from the ground suggest that South Africa might continue to bat. Players haven't been warming up on the field here. Interesting to see how long South Africa plans to drag this out. A 500+ target is daunting enough, but South Africa is clearly not satisfied with this lead. Or are they playing for the draw? 

South Africa have put up yet another fine performance in the second session as India struggled to get much wickets despite it being a Day 4 pitch. For sure the Indian camp will be demoralised here considering the likes of Stubbs, de Zorzi and Mulder keeping the bowlers quiet. That does not mean that they were afraid to play their shots as well. They had their fair share of sweeps, reverse-sweeps to ensure that the run-flow does not stop. 

Now all eyes will be on the visitors to see if they will declare early in the 3rd session or keep batting away. 

Washington Sundar comes in and Stubbs is wary of the fuller deliveries. This could be the last over before lunch. Sundar channels his inner Ravi Ashwin as he stops midway into his delivery stride and warns Mulder to stay in the crease. Well just a few singles in the over as the umpire calls for lunch.  

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 220 for 4), lead by 508 runs. Stubbs (60*), Mulder (29*) 

Looks like Jaiswal has come in to bowl some leg-spin. Bowls one a tad short of length and Mulder taps it towards mid-off, and there is some confusion in the middle between the batters, and Jurel is unable to return the ball to the keeper in time. Another short of length delivery that moves away from the right-hander, and Mulder rocks back and slaps it away for the boundary towards the covers. The lead has crossed the 500-run mark. Perhaps Jaiswal can consider pitching it up. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 217 for 4), lead by 505 runs. Stubbs (58*), Mulder (28*)

In the previous over, Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen doing his stretches. Not sure whether he is coming in to bowl or perhaps he is getting ready to bat, with a declaration possibly coming in soon. Meanwhile, both Stubbs and Mulder continue to play Sundar carefully, picking their moments. They show intent as they glance one way towards the fine-leg region. Sai Sudharsan was there at the short-fine leg - puts in the dive but to no avail as the ball trickles away for the boundary. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 208 for 4), lead by 496 runs. Stubbs (55*), Mulder (22*)  

The attacking intent has certainly gone slightly up here, and the bowlers are erring in their lengths. Mulder goes on the back foot and punches it away for four runs. India is clearly demoralised here. There was a chance for a run-out as Mulder pushed one towards mid-wicket, but Nitish Reddy showed no intent in getting the ball back quickly. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 200 for 4), lead by 488 runs. Stubbs (54*), Mulder (16*)  

Ravindra Jadeja is back at it and starts hitting the good lengths and follows it up by pushing it further. Mulder however, closes out the over on a positive here as he slaps one towards the extra-cover region for a boundary. Five runs from the over and perhaps the Proteas might be looking to get the 500-run lead before lunch. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 194 for 4), lead by 482 runs. Stubbs (53*), Mulder (11*)  

Washington Sundar continues his spell. He gets one on a length and turns in to Mulder here and just taps it to the man at short-leg but Jurel makes the dive but falls short. A slight scare for the new batter. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 189 for 4), lead by 477 runs. Stubbs (52*), Mulder (7*)  

Ravindra Jadeja continues his spell. Stubbs, however, is happy to let the ball go. A quiet defensive approach here that has served him well. Perhaps with the lead nearing 500 runs -  South Africa could consider going a bit more attacking here to ensure they have enough time to take the win. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 177 for 3), lead by 466 runs. Stubbs (48*), De Zorzi (48*)  

Washington Sundar comes in and Stubbs just takes a single to get to his fifty. This is his fourth fifty and he will look to accelerate and push the lead beyond 500 before the end of the session. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 187 for 4), lead by 475 runs. Stubbs (51*), Mulder (1*)  

Ravindra Jadeja and his golden arm has struck again. De Zorzi has been sweeping well all day but this one he misses and the ball hits him infront of the stumps. The umpire raises the finger and he goes for a review. Ball tracker shows it was going to hit the off-stump and India finally have a breakthrough. De Zorzi goes for 49 off 68 balls. 

Wiaan Mulder comes to the middle to join Stubbs, who is getting close to his fifty. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 179 for 4), lead by 467 runs. Stubbs (48*), Mulder (1*)  

The lead is now more than 450 as Stubbs gets a double and a boundary off as South Africa continue to dominate. India's spin plan needs some tweaking or a complete change, and bring on the pacers. And then De Zorzi gives a chance and the Indian slips and misses it completely. And there goes another one as Pant misses it completely. And here is the 100-run partnership as well

 IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 177 for 3), lead by 466 runs. Stubbs (48*), De Zorzi (48*)  

So drinks on the field at the moment and India need a breather. Once again, another partnership is frustrating them at the moment and have left them searching for a wicket. Kuldeep and Jadeja have toiled hard but it seems like De Zorzi and Stubbs are just a step ahead. 

The lead is close to 450 at the moment and the question will be when the Proteas will decide to declare. India are up for a stiff chase in either case. So far, 15 overs have been bowled in the session and 53 runs have come out of it. 

 IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 160 for 3), lead by 442 runs. Stubbs (37*), De Zorzi (46*)  

Stubbs survives a DRS review as Kuldeep's change in angle gets him struck on the pads. Kuldeep convinces Pant to take the review and the ball tracker shows that it the delivery would have missed the stumps. To rub salt on the wounds, De Zorzi pulls off another sweep as South Africa goes past 150. Kuldeep is showing promise from around the wicket as he continues to trouble Stubbs. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 154 for 3), lead by 442 runs. Stubbs (36*), De Zorzi (45*)  

Think India should bring back the pacers for a short spell at the moment. Stubbs and De Zorzi are milking runs at the moment with the former pulling off another reverse sweep for a boundary off Kuldeep. Bumrah and Siraj are well-rested at the moment and should come on to get the wicket. But for now, Jadeja continues to bowl. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 146 for 3), lead by 434 runs. Stubbs (34*), De Zorzi (40*)  

Tristan Stubbs finally broke the shackles with a boundary after Kuldeep Yadav kept him quiet with his clever variations late in the innings. The left-arm spinner beat the bat several times, including a superb delivery that dipped and turned through the gate, cutting Stubbs in half. Another turning ball caught him stuck on the crease, producing only a thick inside edge onto the pad.

It seems like Stubbs and De Zorzi are keeping the Indian spinners at an arm's length. This could be a good chance to break the spin plan and bring on pacer. Siraj bowled just one over today and he could be the option to use this new ball and turn the game. The partnership is more than 50 at the moment and India will need to break it quickly. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 132 for 3), lead by 420 runs. Stubbs (23*), De Zorzi (37*)  

So that's it for Kuldeep for now. India go back to Ravindra Jadeja, who has looked the most threatening bowler on the day. As always is the case, he just fires in the deliveries and the line is right at the stumps. De Zorzi has been scoring freely and rotating the strike and seems to be the danger man at the moment. 

Oh, it's just a change of ends for Kuldeep. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 122 for 3), lead by 410 runs. Stubbs (18*), De Zorzi (32*)  

West Indies — 395/7, 2021, Chattogram, vs Bangladesh

Sri Lanka — 391/6, 2017, Colombo (RPS), vs Zimbabwe

India — 387/4, 2008, Chennai, vs England

Pakistan — 382/3, 2015, Pallekele, vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka — 352/9, 2006, Colombo (PSS), vs South Africa

A couple of singles and the lead is beyond 400 now. Stubbs and De Zorzi are taking their time in the middle after showing aggression before tea as India keep looking for wickets. No team has chased more than 400 in Asia and it feels like the Proteas have reached the first landmark. Their aim will be to ensure they bat India out of the game completely and the second session could be all about that. 

The highest chase in Asia is by the West Indies when they got 395 against Bangladesh in 2021. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 114 for 3), lead by 402 runs. Stubbs (17*), De Zorzi (25*)  

Kuldeep Yadav restarts India's hunt for wickets in Guwahati on Day 4. He goes up against De Zorzi upfront and there is some spin and bounce on offer for him. The strike goes to Stubbs, and he also starts off with a single. A measured start to the second session as the lead edges closer to 400. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 109 for 3), lead by 397 runs. Stubbs (15*), De Zorzi (22*)  

And the first session comes to an end as it has been a shared session for both teams. South Africa made a good start before Jadeja opened the game up with the wickets of the openers Rickleton and Markram. Washington Sundar bowled well and got the wicket of Temba Bavuma. However, the Proteas have extended the lead to 395 runs with Stubbs and De Zorzi showing some intent late in the session. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 107 for 3), lead by 395 runs. Stubbs (14*), De Zorzi (21*)  

Stubbs and De Zorzi have decided to take on the bowling attack and are targeting Sundar at the moment. De Zorzi produced a fine sweep to score the first boundary and it is followed up by another one, this time a reverse sweep by Stubbs. As we hoped for, Kuldeep is into the attack and De Zorzi sweeps him for another boundary as the hundred comes up for the Proteas. This partnership is putting the pressure on India once again. 

 IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 103 for 3), lead by 391 runs. Stubbs (13*), De Zorzi (18*)  

Spinners are going a lot on this track at the moment, and it is surprising to see India not handing the ball to Kuldeep Yadav. Sundar continues and he gets hit for a six by De Zorzi and it goes for 102 metres. Kuldeep produces the goods in the first innings, but Pant has shown resistance to change during the match at times. Maybe Kuldeep's batting effort yesterday has afforded him so extra rest and we will see him in the next session. 

  IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 88 for 3), lead by 376 runs. Stubbs (7*), De Zorzi (9*)  

How big will this turn out to be? Washington Sundar lets it rip and Tristan Stubbs completely misses it and the Indian captain was late to react to it. He gets hit on the top of the shoulder, and India lose a glorious chance. Sundar has been bowling well and getting bounce and spin off the track. He will feel he should have got another one here. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 77 for 3), lead by 368 runs. Stubbs (7*), De Zorzi (2*)

Temba Bavuma's stay at the crease comes to an end as Washington Sundar gives India hope. At first, Bavuma got an edge and that just fell wide of Nitish after it was parried towards him by Sai. The next delivery he makes no mistake and takes a smart catch in leg slip. India have got their tails up and can sense that they can bowl out the Proteas cheaply. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 77 for 3), lead by 365 runs. Stubbs (6*), De Zorzi (0*)

When do you think South Africa will declare? Should they have 500-plus in the bank before they think of declaring their innings? 

Keep in mind, South Africa are leading 1-0 and they need just a draw to win the series. Will the world Test champions be brave and push for a 2-0 lead? 

Akshay Ramesh: South Africa will be wary of India's ability to bounce back. In the last few years, India have scripted some remarkable comebacks in the final innings. But, their body language is down and the fear of losing another home series without a reply will be lingering in their minds.I would say South Africa should be happy with somewhere around 450. 500 will give them the mental edge. 

Alan John: South Africa will be aiming for a lead in excess of 500 here. But with the ball turning, they will be content with anything above 450 as well. They still have Muthusamy and the big-hitting Jansen waiting in the wings, with Bavuma and Stubbs still at the crease. Stubbs can accelerate at any point that he wants and there is a feeling he would do the same if Bavuma falls.

Temba Bavuma is the new man in. The South African captain is in the midlde after Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Aiden Markram. 

India have their tails up now. There is still 40 minutes left for the first break of the day.

Can India get a couple more? 

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Bavuma bats. It will tell a lot about whether South Africa are willing to declare today. 

A terrific delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. Aiden Markram looked edgy in the previous over. Now, he loses his off-stump. Jadeja gets one to pitch on the middle-stump line and turn sharply. Markram didn't cover the line. The ball spins past his bat and hits the top of the off-stump.

A dream delivery from Ravindra Jadeja. 

But, that turn, sharp turn, will send some panic in the Indian dressing room as well.

They are going to bat last on this pitch. 

IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 4 Live Score: South Africa (489, 74 for 2), lead by 362 runs. 

Washington Sundar is getting some purchase now. The pitch is helping bowlers better than before. Sundar beat both the edges of Aiden Markram's bat. He got one to hold the line and caught the outside edge, but fell just short of KL Rahul at first slip. 

South Africa are in no hurry. New batter Tristan Stubbs is playing against his natural flair, trying to block and block. 

India's body language is a little better than before. The wicket of Ryan Rickelton seems to have given a boost to Rishabh Pant and his men. 

Are we going to see Kuldeep Yadav soon into the attack?

India's fielding has been good in the morning session. 

With Sundar and Jadeja just rushing through the overs, one has to wonder when will be the ideal time to unleash Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 4 wickets and was the X-factor on the track in the first innings. He could break the game open with another wicket. Anyways, these plans will be discussed now as drinks come on the field. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 66/1 in 24 ov) vs India (201), lead by 354 runs. Stubbs (3*), Markram (24*).

The spinners are applying the pressure on South Africa as the scoring rate has slowed down. Sundar and Jadeja aren't allowing Markram and Stubbs to settle down with their tight lines. Sundar has been impressive, bowling a maiden and then Jadeja conceding just one run. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 64/1 in 23 ov) vs India (201), lead by 352 runs. Stubbs (2*), Markram (23*).

Ryan Rickleton has gifted his wicket here to Ravindra Jadeja. An attempt to force the issue and he chips it straight to Mohammed Siraj. This was the breakthrough that India needed and they will have their tails up. Tristan Stubbs comes to the middle and he gets a good delivery from the veteran spinner, which is straight at the stumps. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 59/1 in 18.3 ov) vs India (201), lead by 347 runs. Stubbs (0*), Markram (18*).

Ryan Rickleton and Aiden Markram have been steady and controlled in their approach so far, with both men getting boundaries in the last two overs. Just as we say this, Rickleton survives a run-out scare. He was just inches inside the crease, but it was a great effort from Siraj. India needs more of this on the field. Else, South Africa are running away with things here. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 54/0 in 16 ov) vs India (201), lead by 342 runs. Rickleton (33*), Markram (18*).

An inside edge from Rickleton gives him a boundary. India are struggling at the moment as the energy seems to be low on the field. There is no swing or spin on offer and the bowlers are up to the test early on. One has to wonder if Siraj is carrying a niggle, given that he was taken off quickly. 

Sundar concedes just two runs in his second over of the day. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 44/0 in 14 ov) vs India (201), lead by 332 runs. Rickleton (27*), Markram (14*).

An interesting call here. Washington Sundar replaces Mohammed Siraj, who bowled just an over on the day. Does Pant feel that there isn't a lot on the pitch for the pacers? Sundar has been on the money and concedes just one run in the over. Or did he want to change the ends for Bumrah and Siraj?

Bumrah is continuing anyway after the Sundar over. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 37/0 in 10 ov) vs India (201), lead by 322 runs. Rickleton (22*), Markram (12*).

Ryan Rickleton times that brilliantly and gets the first boundary of the day. He was being tested outside off-stump but is able to get it away with a fine push. He follows this with a double. There is silence inside the stadium and the commentators want a bit more chatter amongst the Indian players. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 34/0 in 10 ov) vs India (201), lead by 322 runs. Rickleton (20*), Markram (12*). 

The action is underway in Guwahati and it is Jasprit Bumrah who has the ball in his hands. The star pacer starts right on the money as he beats the bat of Rickleton, who plays a half-hearted push. Bumrah has been keeping a consistent line to start off and Rickleton gets a single. 

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Score: South Africa (489, 27/0 in 9 ov) vs India (201), lead by 315 runs. Rickleton (14*), Markram (12*). 

Anil Kumble has advised India to be hopeful and positive on Day 4 and believe they can get a result out of this. He is backing the bowlers to get the job done and bowl out South Africa for a low total. 

"India can salvage something. Be hopeful and positive. They have to come thinking we have a chance to get something. Else they will get rolled over. Anything is possible in cricket. We have bowlers who can turn things around. India will need to bowl them out within 100 runs," said Kumble. 

Breaking away from Test cricket for a moment, the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is set to be revealed on Tuesday. Early reports suggest that India and Pakistan will be in the same group alongside the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia. The final is expected to be played in Ahmedabad, unless Pakistan make it. In that case, the game will be played in Colombo. (READ)

Gautam Gambhir has been the most polarising figure Indian cricket since he took charge as the head coach. Day 3 of the Guwahati Test seemed like a new low for the former opener as fans turned on him and asked for the dismissal of the former KKR mentor from his role. If India are unable to turnaround the game on Tuesday, the calls will get louder. 

It was brutal. It was fiery. It was destructive. What Marco Jansen unleashed on the Indian batting line-up in Guwahati almost defies description, but it was a sight to behold for connoisseurs of fast bowling around the world. The towering pacer brought the famed Indian batting order to its knees, using his massive stature to pepper the batters with a barrage of bouncers until they finally succumbed to his relentless plan. (READ)

Former cricketer Sreevats Goswami has suggested that India’s current Test side is lacking the fierce winning mentality that once defined the Virat Kohli era, as the hosts continue to struggle in the ongoing series against South Africa. With another home defeat looming in Guwahati, questions have begun to surface about the leadership, direction and mindset of the team in red-ball cricket.

“Ideally, Virat should have left playing ODIs & continued playing Test cricket until he had nothing to give. Test cricket misses him. Not just as a player but just the energy he brought, the love & passion playing for India where he made the team believe that they can win in any condition,” Goswami wrote on social media. (READ)

When Rishabh Pant is at the crease during a Test match with the bat, we all know what is bound to happen. The match situation usually takes a back seat and Pant just goes on a counter-attack. It is an approach that looks stunning when it comes off. But when it fails, the image isn't one that shows Pant in a good light. 

Yesterday was the perfect situation for Pant to just negate the Proteas with his batting, but threw away his wicket with an unwanted shot. Dale Steyn called it a brainfade shot and went on to criticise the Indian captain for his approach. 

“I just feel as a captain you need to apply yourself a little bit longer in a situation like this, where you are behind the eight ball. We've seen the way that Temba Bavuma has captained the team and other players have taken inspiration from that. It looked like a bad time. But as a captain you just need to lead a little bit better. You've been out in the field for 150 overs. You come out there with the bat. You're not going to win the game in an over. You're not going to win the game in a session. You have to take the game a little bit deeper and India just aren't able to do that. They weren’t led the way that they should be able to do that in that dismissal,” Steyn said on Star Sports.

It seems to be a clear day in Guwahati on Tuesday. The starting temperature is 20 degree celsius, with it expected to reach 27. We can expect the day's play to come to an end by 4 pm, which has been the trend over the last four days. India will need to push the issue early in the morning if they have to get a win. 

Two days remain and the match, barring a dramatic turn, appears firmly in South Africa's grasp. India's batting continues to show worrying fragility. Only Jaiswal and Washington displayed discipline and application while the remainder of the line-up succumbed to loose strokes or technical lapses. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, India face an uphill task to avoid another heavy defeat at home.

A year ago, the thought of India losing a home Test series seemed far-fetched. Now, after three difficult days in Guwahati and an earlier setback in Kolkata, that outcome is a real and looming possibility as the Proteas look to complete a commanding tour.

India were left staring at the grim prospect of a home series sweep after another batting collapse handed South Africa firm control on Day 3 of the second Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Monday. The visitors, already 1-0 up after their narrow win in Kolkata, extended their dominance by pushing the overall lead to 314 runs before ending the day at 26 without loss in their second innings, opting against enforcing the follow-on.

With two full days still remaining, South Africa hold every advantage and India's hopes of avoiding a rare home series defeat appear increasingly bleak. India were bowled out for 201 in 83.5 overs earlier in the day, undone by tight and disciplined South African bowling. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram then negotiated eight overs in the final session, reaching 13 and 12 respectively, ensuring the visitors closed the day without damage.

South Africa’s first-innings 489 had already put India under pressure, and the hosts’ response only deepened the crisis. A second straight Test defeat at home now looms large unless India can produce something extraordinary over the final two days.