India’s batting crumbled on the third day of the second Test in Guwahati, leaving the home side staring at a series defeat against South Africa. What hurt India the most was poor batting selection. Sai Sudharsan was sloppy, Dhruv Jurel was indiscreet and Rishabh Pant was blatantly irresponsible as the innings crumbled into a heap.It was on the same surface that Kuldeep Yadav likened to a “road” just a day earlier. Still, India were bowled out for 201 by Marco Jansen, who, at 6ft 8in, just kept banging and went 6 for 48. That came a day after he smashed 93 with the bat, so he will remember it.
India fans in Guwahati are behind the hosts, expect a match on Day 3
At stumps, South Africa were 26 for no loss in their second innings, stretching their total lead to 314. The Proteas would look to set India a target in excess of 450, with 120 overs in hand for their bowlers. India, meanwhile, is hoping for time, weather or luck.South Africa chose not to push for the follow-on and preferred to bat again despite leading by 288 runs. From the tourists’ point of view, the chance of a first Test series victory in India since 2000 for Hansie Cronje’s side is within reach.India started the day with some stability. Yashasvi Jaiswal 58 and KL Rahul 22 formed the only phase that resembled control. Both fell to the only two balls off the spinners that rose awkwardly, and once they left the slide was swift: 95 for 1 to 122 for 7. Sudharsan (15), Jurel (0) and Pant (7) fell in 13 balls. These statements will not make for pleasant viewing in the locker room. This was a pitch that needed normal cricket. The spinners hardly made an impact after those two early wickets.A short fightback came from Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. Sundar made 48 off 92 balls and Kuldeep was held to 19 off 134 deliveries. Their partnership of 62 in almost 35 overs was India’s only period of resistance.South Africa has time and control. 2-0 is now in their hands. For India, even a draw would feel like an escape.
