Bad light forced early Stumps on Day 2, with South Africa reaching 256/5 on the scoreboard and taking an 11-run lead in the first innings. The Proteas’ opener Dean Elgar played a masterclass knock of 140* and is still in the crease to take his side to a big total. Debutant David Bedingham batted well for his 56. Indian players’ shoulders have fallen after the hosts seized the lead. South Africa is in pole position but it will be interesting to see how the Indian pacers deliver early on Day 3 as it is known as the moving day in Test Cricket.

There was a steady drizzle leading up to the start of Day 2 play. As a result of the wet patches in the outfield, the start of play was delayed by 25 minutes. KL Rahul came in intending to play his shots. Gerald Coetzee dismissed Mohammed Siraj early while Rahul hit a brilliant six to bring up his spectacular century. Very soon, Nandre Burger cleaned up Rahul (101) and ended Indian innings for 245.

In reply, Siraj got an early breakthrough for India, dismissing Aiden Markram for just five runs. But Elgar and Tony de Zorzi steadied the South African innings with a fine 93-run partnership for the second wicket. Jasprit Bumrah provided the much-needed breakthrough by removing Zorzi for 28. Bumrah then dismissed Keegan Petersen (2) immediately to put the home side on the back foot.

But Shardul Thakur and debutant Prasidh Krishna failed to take on the momentum, bowling inconsistent lines and lengths and conceding too many runs. Elgar and Bedingham stitched a century partnership (131 runs) for the fourth wicket and helped their side to take a lead.