SA vs IND Ball by Ball Commentary

11:50 AM IST That’s it from this Test then! It is India who have taken a 1-0 lead and now have a chance to create history in the next Test. A win will see them win a Test series for the very first time in South Africa. The hosts, on the other hand, need to avoid a defeat to stay in the series. The second Test starts on the 3rd of January at 1:30 pm IST (8 am GMT). See you then and a Happy New Year in advance!

11:29 AM IST KL Rahul is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant knock in the first innings! He says that it was about grit and determination and the opening partnership was crucial. He added that they set the tone for the team. He adds that he did not make many technical changes but it is more about mental space and remaining calm. He mentions that the discipline he has shown is the biggest contributor to perform consistently. He adds that he is proud of his overseas performance. He applauds Shami and the bowling group for their consistent performances in different situations over the years. He adds that it is a special win and they want to build on this and get better and try to win another Test in a few days time.

11:19 AM IST Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that getting a result in four days shows how much this team was motivated to get a win at Centurion against South Africa. Adds that the discipline shown by the batters showed in the first innings is praiseworthy. Praises Agarwal and Rahul for the way they laid the platform and put them on top. Says that he knew that the bowlers would get the wickets. Says that if Bumrah hadn't been injured in the first innings, the game would have probably been over earlier than this. Credits the bowlers not just for this Test but for how Indian Test cricket has progressed over the years. He Praises Shami for the way he bowled and says that he is one of the best pacers going around in world cricket. Mentions that their show in Wanderers in 2018 showed their grit and determination so they are looking forward to playing the second game there.

11:20 AM IST Dean Elgar, the skipper of South Africa, says that there are a lot of positives still and credits India for bowling really well and keeping them on their toes. Mentions that if they could have batted better and then, it might have given them a chance to win this match. Tells that the bowlers bowled really well on Day 3 and executed the right lines and lengths. States that they fought back hard with the ball in the second innings. Adds that they need to improve their batting as it was the main reason that they lost this match. Also says that he will sit along with the management and discuss strategies. Tells that they didn't do a lot of things wrong and it is not all doom and gloom for them. Ends by saying that they strive under pressure and that is a positive sign.

10:59 AM IST Stay tuned for the presentation.

11:10 AM IST South Africa were in the game till Elgar was batting. The skipper led the fightback and kept his sides’ hopes alive. He though failed to receive support from the others as Shami and Bumrah were too hot to handle for the rest. In the end, it is a convincing win for the visitors and it is also their FIRST IN CENTURION IN TESTS!

10:57 AM IST The South African bowlers though roared back on Day 4 as they bundled India for below 200. Jansen and Rabada were the stars. They gave their side a chance, a small chance as they had to chase down something just over 300.

10:55 AM IST That though proved to be well and truly enough as the Indian pacers, led by Shami, who got a fifer, helped India take a lead of over 100 runs. Also, the lead could have been a lot more had Bumrah got more overs under his belt. He was injured for the most part but the others stepped up brilliantly.

10:54 AM IST There was no cricket on Day 2 but South Africa came back strongly on Day 3. India were eyeing over 400 but Ngidi and Rabada ensured they kept them below the 350-run mark.

10:54 AM IST Also, we had one full day being washed out due to rain, despite that, it was quite a convincing one. Right from Day 1, they were well and truly on top of the game. They won the toss elected to bat and courtesy a ton from Rahul and decent performances from Agarwal and Rahane, India finished strongly on the first day.

10:58 AM IST If there are two places where visiting sides find it difficult to win, it is the Gabba in Australia and it is Centurion here in South Africa and India have managed to win in both. That speaks volumes about how good a side they are.

11:16 AM IST OUT! TAKEN! All over! Victory for India in Centurion! Flatter and on middle. Ngidi looks to block it with hard hands and gets the inside edge. The ball goes straight to leg slip and Cheteshwar Pujara takes it with ease! Centurion has been conquered by India as they win by 113 runs!

10:50 AM IST Lungi Ngidi is the last man in.

10:49 AM IST OUT! TAKEN! 9 down now South Africa! Well bowled by Ashwin. He tosses it nicely, wide outside off. Rabada looks to drive but does so with his hands reaching out. The ball takes the outside edge and loops up towards point. Mohammed Shami takes an easy catch.

10:48 AM IST Loopy ball, outside off. Rabada looks to drive but gets the outside edge to covers.

10:48 AM IST Flatter ball, outside off. Rabada blocks it out.

10:47 AM IST Darted on the pads. Bavuma works it to deep square leg for one.

10:47 AM IST Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.

10:47 AM IST Full and on off. Blocked out.

10:46 AM IST Kagiso Rabada is the next batter in.

10:44 AM IST OUT! TAKEN! Shami strikes right after Lunch and Marco Jansen's stay ends! That is a peach of a delivery to any batter let alone a tailender. Length ball, just outside off. Jansen is tentative in his push forward to block it but gets the outside edge. Pant dives to his right and takes the catch. A brilliant start for India post Lunch and a couple of wicket-taking deliveries now will give them a 1-0 lead in the series!

10:44 AM IST Beaten! On a length, just outside off. Jansen pokes his bat out but the ball goes past the outside edge.

10:43 AM IST On a length, around off. Blocked out.

10:42 AM IST FOUR! Oh, that is glorious! Full and on off. Jansen drives it nicely past mid off for a boundary.

10:42 AM IST FOUR! Through the slips! Length and outside off. Jansen looks to block but gets the outside edge past third slip for a boundary.

10:42 AM IST We are all set for the Post-Lunch session! The Indian players are out there in the huddle. Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen will resume for South Africa. Mohammed Shami to start for India. Here we go...

10:36 AM IST ... DAY 5, SESSION 2 …

10:06 AM IST Now then. We have 2 more sessions to go but, but there is rain expected after the second session and if that happens while South Africa are still batting, then anything can happen. Bavuma has looked really good in the middle and South Africa would want him to bat as long as possible while praying for some help from the rain gods. What will happen? Do join us at 4:10 pm IST (10:40 am GMT) for what could be the last session of the game!

10:04 AM IST Patience was the name of the game for India. The first half-hour of play did not go their way but they did not lose their cool. They stuck to their plans and got help from a Day-5 pitch. The wicket of Elgar was the opening they needed and then the pacers were relentless. Bumrah, Siraj and Shami all took a wicket each as India are a few wicket-taking deliveries away from a victory here.

10:04 AM IST The day started with Bavuma and Elgar looking very comfortable for the first 30 minutes. Boundaries were coming along nicely and Elgar was even dropped once by Shami. It looked like as the ball got older, South Africa were getting more and more comfortable in the middle. But, in situations like these, a wicket can turn things around quite quickly and the wicket of Elgar did just that. Once their skipper fell, the middle order of South Africa was under a lot of pressure. De Kock was very jittery during his stay in the middle and lost his wicket soon. What could have been a good session for South Africa after what was a solid start to the day, ended up being a tough session for them taking the hosts closer to a defeat.

10:03 AM IST A brilliant session for India and the writing is pretty much on the wall now. The visitors are just 3 wickets away from a historic win here.

10:01 AM IST Tossed up delivery on off by Ashwin to end the session. Bavma safely defends it towards the off side. Bavuma is solid as rock in the middle and he will be crucial for South Africa going forward. South Africa are 182/7 at Lunch on Day 5.

10:00 AM IST Tossed up again, around middle and leg. Defended towards the on side. There was a bit of drift and turn for Ashwin there.

10:00 AM IST Nicely tossed up on off by Ashwin. Bavuma is right forward and defends it solidly.

10:00 AM IST A fuller delivery on middle. Bavuma blocks it out towards the on side.

9:59 AM IST Shorter length on off. Bavuma pushes this to covers off the back foot.

9:59 AM IST Tossed up on middle. Bavuma pushes this towards the on side. The fielder at short deep mid-wicket dives and stops it.

9:58 AM IST A short ball on middle to end the over. Jansen ducks under it.

9:58 AM IST Shami goes fuller this time on middle. Bavuma drives it to right of mid on and gets a single.

9:57 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Jansen pushes this off the back foot to covers and gets a single.

9:57 AM IST On a length and nipping into middle. Bavuma pushes this off the inside half of his blade to deep mid-wicket for one.

9:56 AM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Bavuma leaves it alone comfortably.

9:55 AM IST On a length, on off. Temba Bavuma defends it out.

9:54 AM IST On middle, Bavuma works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

9:54 AM IST Flighted delivery and on off, Bavuma blocks.

9:54 AM IST Slightly shorter and outside off, Bavuma plays it to covers.

9:54 AM IST On middle, Bavuma pushes it towards short mid-wicket.

9:53 AM IST FOUR! Lovely shot! Just timed it and the outfield here is really quick. On off, a little too full. Bavuma strokes it through covers. Siraj runs after it and dives but in vain.

9:53 AM IST A yorker from Ashwin on middle, Bavuma jams it out.

9:52 AM IST Yet another length ball and on off, blocked.

9:51 AM IST FOUR! Shot! That went to the fence in no time! A full ball outside off, Jansen hits it nicely through covers and this one races away. This guy can bat.

9:50 AM IST Almost jinxed it! Shorter and outside off, this one comes back in. Bavuma looks to push it on the off side, he gets an inside edge which lands just wide of the off pole. A single as it rolls on the leg side.

9:50 AM IST FOUR! Classy from Bavuma! Shorter and on off, Bavuma stands tall and pushes it through covers. He looked South Africa's best batter in the first innings and is playing really well again here.

9:49 AM IST Solid! Good length and on middle, Bavuma plays it back to the bowler.

9:48 AM IST Outside off, left alone.

9:47 AM IST On off, defended.

9:47 AM IST Angled into the pads, Bavuma looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

9:46 AM IST Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

9:45 AM IST Shorter and outside off, left alone.

9:45 AM IST Back of a length and on off, defended back to the bowler. Siraj once again walks upto Bavuma and says sorry. He just knows what he did was not needed. Good from the young pacer.

9:47 AM IST Bavuma has been hit by Siraj here! Bavuma plays the shot straight to Siraj. Siraj collects it and fires in a throw at the batter's end. It was unnecessary to say the least. Bavuma was well inside his crease and the throw has hit him on the foot. He looks in some pain and is getting some treatment now. Bavuma is fine now and is ready to go.

9:40 AM IST OUCH! That would have really hurt! That was not needed from Siraj. He does apologize but that is really not needed. On middle, this is played back to the bowler. Siraj collects it and then has a shy at the stumps at the keeper's end but hits the foot of the batter. Bavuma is in pain.

9:38 AM IST Extra bounce! Length and on middle, Jansen looks to defend, this one takes off. It goes off the handle towards the leg side.

9:38 AM IST Angles it into the middle pole, Jansen defends it solidly.

9:37 AM IST A short one now and on off, Jansen picks it early and ducks under it.

9:37 AM IST Hits the length hard and bowls it on off, Jansen plays it towards cover.

9:36 AM IST Marco Jansen is the next batter in.

9:44 AM IST OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Shami comes on and Shami strikes! Mulder falls for just the one run. India just the three wickets away now. Shami lands it on a length, this pitches and then moves away slightly. Mulder lunges and tries to block. He actually ends up pushing at it away from the body. A faint edge and Pant does the rest. India can surely sense a win before Lunch here.

9:33 AM IST On middle, Mulder defends it nicely.

9:34 AM IST Mohammed Shami (13-2-43-1) is back into the attack.

9:32 AM IST Outside off, left alone.

9:31 AM IST Shorter in length and outside off, Bavuma shoulders arms to this one.

9:31 AM IST A gift for Mulder first up but he fails to put it away! A full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

9:29 AM IST Wiaan Mulder is the next batter in.

9:28 AM IST OUT! CHOPS IT ON! This was on the cards. This was so on the cards. If you remember Siraj's last over, just visualize 57.2 and 57.3. De Kock could have been dismissed on either ball, once getting an inside edge onto his pad and once, being beaten on the inside edge. In fact, we could hear Kohli saying there it is just a matter of time that is because de Kock has played 18 balls but has looked a little shaky. Well, it has not taken long at all. De Kock looked fidgety all this while, he was looking to play way too many shots and in the end picks the wrong ball to play the wrong shot yet again and falls. Also, this is almost a carbon copy of the way he got out in the first innings. Once again de Kock looks to cut a ball outside off. It is too close to play that shot. He gets an underedge and it crashes into the stumps. Huge wicket as de Kock could have really taken the game away from India. Poor from de Kock though. He could have played with a lot more responsibility. India just 4 wickets away now.

9:27 AM IST Confusion but safe! On off, de Kock drops it towards cover, then calls for a run but then sends his parnter back in time. Just sense there is a wicket around the corner. De Kock is really looking shaky.

9:26 AM IST Short and well wide outside off, de Kock slashes but misses. Missing quite a few bad balls is de Kock. This will only frustrate him.

9:25 AM IST A single to end! Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

9:25 AM IST Half an appeal, first for a caught behind and then for stumping. Both not given. De Kock would feel he missed out again. Shorter and down the leg side. De Kock looks to pull but misses.

9:25 AM IST De Kock misses out! A full toss outside off, de Kock drives but straight to covers.

9:24 AM IST On the pads, Bavuma works it through mid-wicket for one. Not sure about the line bowled by Ashwin. It is more on the leg pole. A little negative.

9:24 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Temba plays it to mid on.

9:23 AM IST Risky shot and a risky run too! Both come off! This one drifts in from outside off, de Kock still manages to guide it past point. Too close to play that shot but still gets it towards the fielder there. They take one. Pant is not happy as he feels a single was not on there.

9:22 AM IST A single to end! Outside off, de Kock guides it past point for one.

9:21 AM IST Angled into the pads, Bavuma works it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

9:21 AM IST Bavuma saves a certain boundary there! This is fuller and on middle, de Kock drives it crisply towards Bavuma at the other end. Bavuma probably is on the go for a one but then realises the ball is coming back to him. Fails to get out in time, it hits him and goes towards mid off for one.

9:20 AM IST Almost chops it on! Looking to play far too many shots is de Kock! Shorter and just outside off, not enough room to cut. De Kock slashes but misses.

9:19 AM IST You can hear Kohli saying there it is just a matter of time that is because de Kock has played 18 balls but has looked a little shaky. He is looking to score freely which could be dangerous. This is angled into the pads, de Kock looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

9:19 AM IST Uppish but wide! Risky shot that. He looks to drive this length ball on the up through extra cover. It holds its line, goes more off the outer half uppishly but wide of cover for two.

9:17 AM IST Flatter ball, lands on off and comes back in. Bavuma blocks it away.

9:17 AM IST Loopy ball, on middle and leg. De Kock sweeps but gets the inside edge to fine leg for one.

9:16 AM IST Loopy ball, outside off. Bavuma pushes it past cover for one.

9:18 AM IST Darted on the pads. Swept away for a single by de Kock.

9:15 AM IST Flatter ball, on middle and leg. De Kock looks to reverse sweep but gets hit on the pads.

9:15 AM IST Loopy ball, around off. Blocked out.

9:15 AM IST Ravichandran Ashwin (4-1-6-0) is back into the attack.

9:13 AM IST A short one to end! Comes quite slow off the deck. Bavuma ducks under.

9:12 AM IST Yet another nut well outside off, Bavuma shoulders arms to this one.

9:12 AM IST Well wide outside off, Bavuma need not play at those.

9:11 AM IST This one comes back in from outside off, not enough though to make the batter play.

9:11 AM IST Angles this into the off pole from wide of the crease. Defended solidly.

9:10 AM IST Two more! Fuller and outside off, Bavuma drives, it is a mere push actually through covers for two. 150 up. A little more than 150 needed now. Long way to go.

9:09 AM IST FOUR! That is beautiful! Lovely timing! Conseuctive boundaries and this one, a lot better than the last. Fuller and on middle, de Kock once again shows the maker's name and plays it past mid on. Races away.

9:08 AM IST FOUR! Bumrah goes for the yorker but ends up serving a gift, a full toss on middle, de Kock just uses the pace, shows the full face of the bat and plays it through mid on for a boundary.

9:08 AM IST Soft leading edge! Angled into the pads, de Kock looks to work it on the leg side. Closes the face of the bat early, it goes off the leading edge on the off side.

9:07 AM IST Length again and on off, de Kock pushes it to mid off.

9:07 AM IST Now bowls it on a length and outside off, extra effort in that delivery. Left alone.

9:06 AM IST Quite wristy! Angled into the middle, de Kock works it with the angle through square leg. Wants two, gets two.

9:20 AM IST Drinks! A classic first hour of Test cricket this. Both teams fighting hard and India have inched ahead with the wicket of South African skipper Dean Elgar. Indian bowlers are bowling good lines and lengths and there is enough help from the wicket for them. For South Africa, this pair of Bavuma and Quinton de Kock will be crucial. Can India get one of them early post Drinks?

9:02 AM IST Full and outside off. Temba Bavuma pushes it to extra cover.

9:01 AM IST FOUR! Off the edge! Good-length ball, around off. Temba Bavuma stands up on his toes and looks to punch. The ball goes off the outside edge past the third slip fielder for a boundary.

9:00 AM IST Switches to over the wicket now, bowls it on a length, on middle. Quinton de Kock flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

9:00 AM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Quinton de Kock drives but straight to the man at covers.

8:59 AM IST Length ball, outside off. Quinton de Kock cuts it past point for a couple of runs. He likes scoring square on the off side.

8:58 AM IST On a length, on off. Quinton de Kock stays solid in his defence.

8:57 AM IST Outside off, Bavuma with an easy leave.

8:57 AM IST Lots of oohs and ahhs from the Indians behind the stumps. On a good length, angling in, around off. Temba Bavuma watches the ball closely and shoulders arms.

8:56 AM IST On a good length, on middle. Temba Bavuma defends it towards covers.

8:55 AM IST Fuller, outside off. Left alone.

8:55 AM IST Length ball, on off. Temba Bavuma pushes it to mid off.

8:54 AM IST Well bowled! On a good length, angling in, on off. Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

8:53 AM IST Fuller, on off. Quinton de Kock watchfully blocks it out.

8:52 AM IST On a length, on middle. Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

8:51 AM IST Bangs a short ball, on middle. Temba Bavuma sits under it.

8:50 AM IST Coming in with the angle, on off. Temba Bavuma stays solid in his defence.

8:50 AM IST Outside off. Bavuma leaves it alone.

8:49 AM IST On a good length, on off. Temba Bavuma stands tall and defends it to the off side.

8:49 AM IST Good-length ball, around off. Straightens up after pitching. Quinton de Kock looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

8:48 AM IST Quinton de Kock is the next batter in.

8:49 AM IST Review! Dean Elgar has been given LBW here! He reviews it. It looks dead straight! The UltraEdge shows that there is not bat involved. Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows THREE REDS and Dean Elgar departs! Big wicket for India.

8:46 AM IST OUT! LBW! There's the breakthrough! India desperately needed the wicket of Dean Elgar and they have got it. So often we have seen that whenever India are in search for a wicket, Jasprit Bumrah steps up and gets one for his team. Yesterday, got the wicket of the nightwatchman, Keshav Maharaj at the stroke of Stumps and now removes the man who was holding the key for South Africa. Coming to the ball, it was a good-length ball, on middle, angling in. Dean Elgar shuffles across a bit and looks to clip it on the leg side. But he misses and gets rapped on the pads. Jasprit Bumrah and Co. appeal strongly and the umpire raises his finger. Dean Elgar opts for a review though. UltraEdge shows that there was no bat involved. Ball Tracker shows that the ball was pitching outside off, impact was in line and it was hitting the stumps. Jasprit Bumrah has got the better of Dean Elgar in both the innings and his resilience comes to an end. India have got the opening now.

8:44 AM IST Fuller this time, on off. Dean Elgar defends it back to the bowler.

8:43 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Dean Elgar stands up on his toes and blocks it out.

8:43 AM IST Good-length ball, in the fifth stump channel. Dean Elgar watches the ball closely and makes a good leave.

8:42 AM IST On a good length, outside off. Dean Elgar lets it sail through.

8:41 AM IST On a length, on off. Bavuma solidly defends this from his crease towards the off side.

8:40 AM IST A fuller delivery by Siraj on middle. Elgar clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

8:40 AM IST Good-length delivery around off. Elgar defends this off the front foot towards the off side.

8:39 AM IST Back of a length, on off from Siraj. Elgar pushes this off the back foot towards the off side.

8:39 AM IST Nice timing from Bavuma! Back of a length, on off. Bavuma punches this off the back foot through covers. Rahul running behind it stops it with a slide near the fence. Three runs taken.

8:37 AM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Bavuma leaves it alone this time.

8:38 AM IST Mohammed Siraj (11-4-25-1) comes into the attack.

8:36 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Elgar looks to defend but gets the inside edge onto his pads.

8:36 AM IST Short ball this time angling into the body from 'round the wicket. Elgar ducks under it.

8:35 AM IST A good-length delivery outside off. Elgar leaves it alone.

8:35 AM IST FOUR! Another boundary for Elgar! Bumrah sprays this on the pads. Elgar stays deep in his crease and flicks it through square leg for a boundary. Good shot.

8:34 AM IST A length delivery outside off. Elgar leaves it alone.

8:33 AM IST FOUR! Genuine edge but falls in the gap and goes for a boundary. A good-length delivery around off. Elgar pushes forward to defend, the ball seams away a little. It catches the outside edge of his blade and flies towards the vacant third slip area for a boundary.

8:31 AM IST Good-length delivery on off this time. Bavuma defends it solidly towards the off side.

8:31 AM IST A fuller ball, on middle. Bavuma drives it towards short mid on. He half-stops it and the ball goes behind the bowler's end.

8:30 AM IST A length ball, targeted on the stumps again. Bavuma defends it off the back foot. The ball hits high on his blade.

8:30 AM IST Good-length delivery on middle and seaming in a little this time. Bavuma drives it to mid on.

8:29 AM IST On a length, on off. Bavuma defends it carefully towards short cover.

8:28 AM IST Drifting on the pads this time. Elgar flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

8:28 AM IST This one hits the crack and seams away! A good-length delivery outside off. Bavuma leaves it alone as the ball seams away sharply.

8:27 AM IST A good-length delivery, outside off. Bavuma leaves it alone. Good carry there for Bumrah.

8:27 AM IST Back of a length again on middle. Bavuma again solidly defends this towards the on side.

8:26 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Bavuma is right behind it and blocks it.

8:25 AM IST Good-length delivery around off this time. Bavuma leaves it alone.

8:25 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Worked passed square leg for a couple by Bavuma.

8:25 AM IST FOUR! This time a boundary! A good-length delivery around off. Elgar pushes at it with soft hands and gets a thick outside edge. The ball races through the gap and for a boundary towards third man. That is insult to injury for Shami.

8:24 AM IST A bouncer this time down the leg side by Shami. Elgar ducks under it.

8:34 AM IST Ohh...DROPPED! Shami drops this off his own bowling. A big miss for India! On a length, on off. Elgar pushes this aerially straight to Shami. He drops it. This can prove very costly for India. Big opportunity missed given that it is the set man who has been put down here.

8:23 AM IST On a length, on off. Bavuma defends it towards the on side and gets a quick single. Good running.

8:21 AM IST Good-length delivery around off. Bavuma lets it go this time.

8:20 AM IST Shami bowls this fuller on off. Bavuma drives it to mid off. Indian bowlers are not finding the movement they found on Day 4.

8:19 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Tapped to cover.

8:19 AM IST Bumrah wants Elgar to drive as he keeps slanting it away from the off pole but the South African skipper leaves it.

8:18 AM IST Another one angling across off and another leave by Elgar.

8:17 AM IST Full and outside off. Elgar leaves it alone.

8:16 AM IST Length and on the pads. Elgar works it to mid-wicket.

8:16 AM IST FOUR! Easy pickings! Bumrah bowls a length ball, down the leg side. Elgar helps it on its way towards fine leg and even a dive by Shardul Thakur cannot stop the ball.

8:14 AM IST Shami slips a full one, on middle now but Bavuma blocks it with ease.

8:14 AM IST Nice and full, just outside off. Driven nicely to mid off.

8:13 AM IST Short of a length, on off. Bavuma blocks it from the crease.

8:12 AM IST Fuller and on the pads. Elgar flicks it past mid-wicket to get a single. The hosts now need 199 to win this Test.

8:12 AM IST Shami digs this short, outside off. Elgar leaves this one alone.

8:11 AM IST On a length, outside off. Left alone.

8:10 AM IST Bumrah ends the over with a length ball, on off and Bavuma has a solid defence to offer.

8:09 AM IST Length ball, but wide enough for Bavuma to leave it with ease.

8:09 AM IST A touch shorter, on off. Bavuma stays in the crease and taps this out.

8:09 AM IST FOUR! That is a glorious stroke! A touch overpitched, outside off. Bavuma plants his front foot forward and gets his head over the ball to drive it gloriously through covers.

8:08 AM IST Fuller and just outside off. Bavuma shoulders his arms.

8:06 AM IST Lands on a length, outside off and comes back in. Bavuma leaves it alone.

8:08 AM IST Jasprit Bumrah to continue.

8:06 AM IST On a length, around off. Blocked out.

8:05 AM IST Shami goes back to bowling outside off and Elgar leaves it.

8:04 AM IST FOUR! Nicely played! Shami errs and bowls a full one, on the pads. Elgar nicely flicks it past mid-wicket for a boundary.

8:04 AM IST Left alone again by Elgar.

8:03 AM IST Short of a length, outside off. Left alone.

8:03 AM IST Length ball, just outside off. Elgar is a bit tentative in his block and gets the outside edge. It goes past point and the batters sprint back for the second. Oh well, it is called a no ball as Shami has overstepped.

8:05 AM IST Mohammed Shami to bowl now.

8:16 AM IST Shami serves a full ball, on off. Blocked out.

8:13 AM IST Bumrah starts with a length ball, on the pads. Bavuma is solid as he taps it towards mid-wicket.

8:01 AM IST We are set to begin! Indian players stride out to the middle. All eyes will be on Dean Elgar who holds the key for South Africa. He is accompanied by Temba Bavuma. Jasprit Bumrah will complete his over.

7:31 AM IST COVID UPDATE - Yes, unfortunately, that has to be the title. We are getting multiple quantities of bad news from Australia. First, a staff member of the Melbourne Stars, a team in the Big Bash League, Australia's domestic T20 League, tested positive for Covid and the game which was supposed to be held today got postponed. Minutes later, we received this news that the assigned match referee for the Ashes series - David Boon - has tested positive as well and will miss the 4th Ashes Test in Sydney. He will be replaced by Steve Bernard. Hope that both the affected people recover quickly.

7:01 AM IST India on the other hand, need to continue what they have done so far in the game. They will know if they hit the right lines and lengths on this wicket, there’s always a ball with the batter’s name on it. To ease their nerves though, they would love an early wicket. An important first session coming up.

7:02 AM IST The task is still big one ahead of the hosts! They would have loved to have entered Day 5 with just the two wickets down. However, a lot will depend on the likes of Bavuma, de Kock and Elgar. Their skipper is well set but it’s a new day and he really needs to play a big knock here. Also, he’ll have to hope someone sticks around with him. Will the Proteas show some fight, some character?

7:00 AM IST The equation is quite simple -  India need another 6 wickets to win, South Africa have to score another 211 runs and both the teams will have around 98 overs, weather permitting that is, to do so. First though, let me give you some good news to begin with, it is currently not raining and the forecast has improved so we are surely going to begin on time. Welcome to the coverage.

7:00 AM IST ... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

4:11 PM IST Now, for the hosts, a lot will depend on their skipper, Bavuma and de Kock, they need to come to the fore. For, India, it is about being disciplined. If you just hit the right lines and lengths on the wicket, one will be rewarded. However, the forecast is not the best for Thursday. Let’s hope rain does not play spoil sport as Day 5 promises to be an exciting one. Do join us at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). But the build-up will begin much in advance. Till then, see ya!

4:13 PM IST Earlier in the day, India opted for a cautious approach in the first session but then looked to up the ante in the second. They did manage to score quickly but also lost wickets. In the end, they managed to get the lead above 300 before being bowled out. They gave themselves just over a session on Day 4 to bowl at the South African batters and they have got 4 important wickets.

4:08 PM IST The final session was a really good one. It began with Siraj getting rid of Keegan. Rassie and Elgar then showed great character and put up a fighting stand. Just as it seemed that South Africa might start Day 5 with 8 wickets in hand, Bumrah came to the fore for India. He got two wickets right at the end and has turned the tide in India’s favour yet again.

4:07 PM IST A wicket right at the end means this session belongs to the visitors and they will be pretty pleased with the shift put in by them. Credit though to South Africa too, they fought hard, they showed great character, especially their skipper Elgar but despite that, they still have mammoth task ahead of them.

4:03 PM IST OUT! TIMBER! BOOM BOOM BUMRAH! Just when the nightwatchman was looking solid, Jasprit Bumrah finds a way to get rid of him. What a bowler. Outsanding stuff. Bowls a toe-crushing yorker, on leg, angling in from outside off. Keshav Maharaj couldn't do anything there. He clears his front leg and tries to squeeze it out but the ball was too quick. Before he could bring his bat down, the ball sneaks and rattles the stumps behind. The nightwatchman departs. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 4!

4:02 PM IST Good-length ball, on off. Keshav Maharaj defends it out.

4:01 PM IST FOUR! Fine shot! Back of a length, on off. Keshav Maharaj punches it off the back foot through covers. This time the ball races away to the fence. Kind of a shot a top-order batsman would play. The nightwatchan is really looking solid.

4:00 PM IST Good-length ball, on off. Keshav Maharaj punches it through covers for a brace.

4:00 PM IST Bangs a short ball, on middle. Keshav Maharaj ducks under it.

3:59 PM IST LEG BYE! A shout for LBW, but umpire is not interested in that. A length ball, on the pads. Keshav Maharaj misses his flick and gets rapped on the pads. The ball deflects off the pads and rolls towards fine leg. The batters steal a leg bye.

4:03 PM IST A fuller delivery again, on middle. Keshav Maharaj lunges and tries to block it. The ball gets the outer half of the bat and rolls towards mid off. A slight fumble there allows the batters to take a single.

4:01 PM IST Fuller length, around middle. Keshav Maharaj leans and blocks it out.

4:01 PM IST Yorker length, on off. Keshav Maharaj jams it out.

4:01 PM IST Touch shorter this time, wide of off. Dean Elgar chops it past the gully fielder for a single.

4:00 PM IST FOUR! And that's fifty for Dean Elgar! Mohammed Siraj serves a length ball, on the pads. Dean Elgar uses his wrists and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary! 50 for the South African captain, a well-composed innings by him. His 18th Test fifty. It has been a knock of patience and grit from the skipper.

4:00 PM IST Back of a length, on middle. Keshav Maharaj defends but gets the inside half of his blade. The ball rolls towards backward square leg.

4:00 PM IST A short ball from 'round the wicket on the body. Keshav Maharaj rides the bounce and defends it towards the on side.

3:59 PM IST NO BALL! Ohh..A beamer from Bumrah! Thankfully Keshav Maharaj tackled it well. It is on off. Keshav Maharaj sways away from the line of the ball. Jasprit Bumrah immediately apologises.

3:59 PM IST Back of a length, on middle. Keshav Maharaj is hurried by that ball but defends it out in the end.

3:58 PM IST A full ball, on off. Keshav Maharaj gets his bat down in time as that keeps low again.

3:58 PM IST Back of a length, outside off. Keshav Maharaj plays inside the line of the ball. Bumrah needs to make him play here.

3:58 PM IST A full ball on off from Bumrah. Keshav Maharaj defends this off the front foot.

4:17 PM IST A full ball, on middle. Elgar flicks it to deep square leg and decides against taking a single. He wants to protect himself against Bumrah.

4:17 PM IST Good-length delivery on off. Elgar defends it to the off side this time. Good bowling by Siraj.

3:57 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Elgar hops and defends it towards the off side.

3:46 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Elgar pushes it off the back foot to mid on.

3:45 PM IST FOUR! A slower short ball, outside off. The ball almost stops before it reaches Elgar. Elgar waits for it and then cuts it through covers for a boundary.

3:45 PM IST Beaten! A full ball,on off. Elgar looks to drive it but gets beaten. This is beautiful bowling from Siraj.

3:45 PM IST Short delivery on off to end the over. Keshav Maharaj ducks under it.

3:45 PM IST Good-length ball, outside off. Left alone.

3:45 PM IST NO BALL! Good-length delivery outside off. Keshav Maharaj leaves it alone. No ball called as Jasprit Bumrah overstepped.

3:41 PM IST South Africa has sent in a nightwatchman. Keshav Maharaj walks out to bat.

4:08 PM IST OUT! BOWLED! Jasprit Bumrah is the man for India. He strikes yet again when the team needed it the most. A good-length delivery around off. Rassie van der Dussen decides to play safe and tries to leave it. But the ball nips in sharply to shatter his off-stump. A big wicket for India and this is the breakthrough they needed. Rassie fought hard till he was there but his team needed him to stay longer. Not sure though why Rassie left that. Bumrah, with his unusual style of bowling normally gets the ball to come back in. This wasn’t far enough to leave, maybe he thought it would be going away. Big mistake by Rassie. India surely have time for another wicket. Nervous period for South Africa now.

3:39 PM IST A full ball, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen defends it towards the off side. Away from his body this time.

3:38 PM IST Nicely played, Rassie van der Dussen uses his height to good effect. Back of a length, on off. Rassie van der Dussen rides the bounce and defends it off the back foot.

3:37 PM IST A full ball, on off and angling into the batter. Rassie van der Dussen defends it off the front foot towards the off side.

3:36 PM IST A good short ball to end the over! A short ball, around off. Elgar sways away from the line of the ball this time.

3:35 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Pushed to covers this time.

3:35 PM IST Back of a length, on middle and leg. Elgar looks to clip it away but gets beaten by the extra bounce again. The ball hits him high on the pads and there is an appeal but no damage done.

3:34 PM IST Ohh.. this time extra bounce for Siraj! A good-length delivery around off. Elgar looks to defend but the ball misses the outside edge of his blade as it bounces off the length sharply.

3:33 PM IST On a length, on off. Elgar pushes it to point this time.

3:33 PM IST On a length, around off this time. Low bounce there. Elgar defends it with the bottom of his blade. This is the second ball that has bounced low in this innings.

3:31 PM IST Tossed up on off. Rassie van der Dussen defends it to short leg this time.

3:31 PM IST Tossed up around off again. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward to defend it and the ball catches the outside edge this time. Goes to the slip fielder off the bounce.

3:31 PM IST Tossed up on off again. Defended off the front foot again.

3:30 PM IST Nicely tossed up on off again. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward and defends it solidly.

3:30 PM IST Slower again on middle and leg. Elgar works it behind square on the on side for a single.

3:29 PM IST Ashwin bowls this slower in the air on off. Rassie van der Dussen pushes it to long on for a single. It was a good ball and there was a turn as well there.

3:28 PM IST A length ball, outside off. Dean Elgar defends it on the off side. A dot to end the over, and that's a maiden over for Mohammed Siraj!

3:27 PM IST Touch fuller, outside off. Dean Elgar pushes it towards point off the front foot.

3:27 PM IST On a length, outside off. Dean Elgar looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his hit boots.

3:25 PM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Dean Elgar pushes it firmly to mid off.

3:25 PM IST Drifting it away this time, outside off, on a good length. Dean Elgar leaves it alone.

3:24 PM IST A full delivery, on off. Dean Elgar dabs it back to the bowler. Siraj dives to his right and tries to stop that but fails to get there.

3:23 PM IST One can hear Virat Kohli tell Siraj from the slips - 'HIT KARKE DAALNA PADEGA!' Meaning, you need to hit the deck hard and bowl! The ball is old now and if you just put it on fuller lengths, it will turn into a half volley for the batsman. Of course, a new ball is a different scenario, but with the old ball, more effort is required.

3:23 PM IST Loopy delivery, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen drives it towards cover. A dot to end the over.

3:22 PM IST Flighting it again, full and outside off. Rassie van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

3:22 PM IST Slower through the air again, full, on middle. Dean Elgar lunges and drives it towards long on for a single.

3:21 PM IST Change of angle this time to the right-hander. Ashwin serves a full delivery, on middle. Rassie van der Dussen drags it towards long on for a single.

3:20 PM IST Tosses it up again, on the pads this time. Dean Elgar leans and taps it square on the leg side for a single.

3:20 PM IST Loopy delivery, outside off. Dean Elgar leaves that alone.

3:19 PM IST Beaten! Another peach of a delivery! A back of a length, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen looks to block that but gets beaten on the outside edge.

3:18 PM IST Fuller, around middle. Rassie van der Dussen pushes it back to the bowler.

3:18 PM IST Just short! Mohammed Siraj serves a fuller delivery, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen prods and goes the drive, but manages to get a thick outside edge. The ball flies and lands just short of Virat Kohli at second slip.

3:17 PM IST A length ball this time, outside off. Left alone.

3:17 PM IST Nipping back in again, outside off, on a short length. Rassie van der Dussen pushes it towards cover off the back foot.

3:16 PM IST Shortish ball, shaping it in around off. Rassie van der Dussen hangs back and defends it out.

3:16 PM IST The on-air commentators are discussing this worldwide problem of overstepping, which seems to be spreading like a rage in Test matches. We saw this during the ongoing Ashes as well. So the reason for this, is opined as lack of practice of run up during the nets. Yes, practice of run up. Many fast bowlers do not pay attention to this small fact and just run in and bowl in the nets. But the commentators suggest that if you just pay attention to these small facets - for example, have someone help you to mark your runup and ensure you are not overstepping - it could bring a lot of discipline into bowling. What many bowlers do not realize is - in the aim to stop the issue of no balls during a match, they start adjusting their runups during a match and end up losing focus from the primary objective - line and length. Well, as they say, practice makes one perfect!

3:15 PM IST Tossing it up again, on middle. Dean Elgar goes for the drive but gets an inside edge towards short leg. A maiden over here for Ashwin!

3:14 PM IST Slower through the air, outside off. Dean Elgar leans and pushes it towards point.

3:14 PM IST Flighting it again, outside off. Elgar lets that go through.

3:14 PM IST Tossing it up, on middle. Dean Elgar lunges and blocks it out.

3:13 PM IST Flatter and shorter this time, outside off. Dean Elgar pushes it towards mid-wicket.

3:13 PM IST Loopy delivery, on middle. Elgar tucks it to mid-wicket.

3:12 PM IST Touch shorter this time, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen hangs back and punches it ot cover.

3:12 PM IST Nipping back in outside off. Rassie van der Dussen leaves that alone.

3:11 PM IST Length ball, on off. Rassie van der Dussen blocks it out solidly.

3:10 PM IST Good-length delivery, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

3:10 PM IST NO BALL! A length delivery again, angling it onto the pads. Elgar tucks it to mid-wicket and scampers through to the other end. Shardul Thakur has overstepped and will have to reload again.

3:09 PM IST Pulling his length back a bit. Good-length delivery, on middle. Dean Elgar hangs back and blocks it solidly.

3:08 PM IST Fuller-length delivery, outside off. Dean Elgar lunges and drives it to the man at cover.

3:07 PM IST Darted on the pads this time. Elgar works it to square leg for a single. Elgar is the man for South Africa here. Leader leading from the front.

3:07 PM IST A fuller delivery on off. Elgar is well forward and defends it towards the off side.

3:06 PM IST On the off stump again by Ashwin. Elgar goes deep in his crease and defends it towards the off side.

3:06 PM IST Slower in the air on off. Elgar defends this off the front foot towards the off side.

3:06 PM IST Ashwin bowls this quicker outside off again. Elgar leaves it alone this time.

3:06 PM IST A fuller ball, on off. Elgar defends it back to the bowler.

3:06 PM IST Ravichandran Ashwin to roll his arm over now.

3:04 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Rassie van der Dussen looks to defend but gets the inside edge onto his pads.

3:04 PM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Rassie van der Dussen pushes off the back foot but the ball catches the outside edge of his blade. It flies wide of second slip. Kohli does well to stop it with a dive.

3:03 PM IST Thakur bowls this full from 'round the wicket on off. Elgar drives it to right of mid off but Ashwin does well and keeps it to just a single.

3:02 PM IST Shorter length, on middle. Elgar pulls it to square leg this time.

3:01 PM IST Thakur pulls his length back a little this time. It is on middle and Elgar defends it awkwardly towards the on side.

3:01 PM IST Thakur starts with an overpitched delivery on middle. Elgar flicks it to the square leg fielder.

3:00 PM IST Shami ends the over with an another full delivery on off. Rassie van der Dussen drives it to covers.

2:59 PM IST A fuller ball, on off. Elgar pushes it to covers and gets a single.

2:58 PM IST Beaten this time! A good-length delivery around off. Elgar pushes at it off the front foot but the ball beats the outside edge of his blade this time.

2:57 PM IST FOUR! Elgar replies with a beautiful shot! A full ball this time, on leg. Elgar leans forward and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Top shot.

2:59 PM IST Another short ball but down the leg side this time. Elgar ducks under it. Rishabh Pant does really well to move that side and collect the ball over his head.

2:56 PM IST Shami bowls a short ball on off from 'round the wicket. Elgar hops and defends it as his eyes gets off the ball. The ball hits his blade and hits him on the helmet.

2:55 PM IST A good-length delivery again, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen decides to leave it once again.

2:54 PM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Rassie van der Dussen leaves it alone.

2:54 PM IST A length ball, on middle this time. Elgar works it to deep square leg for a single.

2:53 PM IST Ohh..A low bounce this time for Thakur. He bowls this on a length on off from 'round the wicket. Elgar just about manages to defend this out.

2:53 PM IST On a length, on off. Elgar defends it towards backward point this time.

2:52 PM IST Thakur starts with a good-length ball, outside off. Elgar leaves it alone.

2:49 PM IST DRINKS! South Africa are doing decently at the moment. They haven’t surrendered and are showing good fight led by their skipper Elgar. Rassie too has been solid so far but there’s a long way to go. The wicket is not as nippy as it was earlier so India need to be patient. An important passage awaits.

2:47 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Rassie van der Dussen solidly defends it towards mid off. Rassie van der Dussen is showing good patience out there. A maiden over from Shami.

2:46 PM IST Good-length delivery around off this time. Rassie van der Dussen shoulders his arms to this one. This is a better line from Shami.

2:45 PM IST Back of a length, around off. Rassie van der Dussen pushes this off the back foot to covers.

2:45 PM IST Shami goes for a short delivery this time, around leg. Rassie van der Dussen initially thinks of pulling it but then lets it go.

2:44 PM IST Shami goes slightly shorter this time, around off. Rassie van der Dussen decides to leave it again.

2:43 PM IST Shami bowls this on a good-length, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen leaves it alone.

2:42 PM IST Angling it in this time, on the pads. Dean Elgar pushes this to mid-wicket. Dot to end the over.

2:44 PM IST FOUR! Glorious shot by Dean Elgar, pure timing on that! Shardul Thakur delivers a full delivery, outside off. Dean Elgar lunges and drives it perfectly in the gap between mid off and cover. The ball races away towards the fence for a boundary.

2:41 PM IST Thakur misses his length here, serves a low full toss ball, around the off pole. Dean Elgar drives it ot mid off.

2:40 PM IST Beaten! A ripper by Shardul Thakur! He drops it shorter this time, outside off. Dean Elgar looks to defends that but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball shapes away a tad bit.

2:39 PM IST On a length, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen pushes it towards point and takes a single.

2:39 PM IST Shardul Thakur goes 'round the wicket, serves a length ball, on the pads. Dean Elgar works it away towards fine leg for a single.

2:37 PM IST Full in length, on off. Rassie van der Dussen lunges and blocks it watchfully.

2:37 PM IST On a length again, shaping it back in. Rassie van der Dussen tucks it to mid-wicket.

2:36 PM IST Good-length delivery, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen lets that go through.

2:35 PM IST On a length this time, on the pads. Dean Elgar taps it towards fine leg and scampers through to the other end.

2:35 PM IST Touch fuller this time, around off. Dean Elgar blocks it out.

2:34 PM IST Beaten! A short ball, outside off. Dean Elgar goes for the pull, but misses it altogether.

2:33 PM IST Touch shorter, outside that channel of the off stump again. Rassie van der Dussen not interested to play any shot on that.

2:32 PM IST Length, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

2:32 PM IST A length delivery, outside off. Left alone.

2:31 PM IST Maintains the same length. Good-length, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen offers no shot on that.

2:31 PM IST Fuller this time, drifting in onto the pads. Rassie van der Dussen tucks it towards the mid-wicket region.

2:30 PM IST No ball! A length delivery, outside off again, nipping it in this time. Rassie van der Dussen leaves that alone. Shardul Thakur has overstepped here and a no ball is called.

2:29 PM IST Shardul Thakur starts off with a length delivery, outside off, getting the ball shape away a tad bit. Rassie van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

2:28 PM IST Good-length delivery, around middle. Dean Elgar pushes it back to bowler.

2:28 PM IST Angling away, outside off. Dean Elgar leaves it alone.

2:27 PM IST A pacey delivery, short of a length, on middle. Dean Elgar blocks that with soft hands. He was looking to flick on the leg side, but plays it on the off side through the outer half of his bat.

2:26 PM IST Full-length again, outside off this time. Dean Elgar leans and drives it to the man at cover.

2:25 PM IST Touch fuller this time, on the pads again. Dean Elgar tucks it towards mid-wicket.

2:25 PM IST Good-length delivery, drifting it onto the pads. Dean Elgar blocks it on the leg side.

2:24 PM IST Another bouncer, outside off this time. Rassie van der Dussen leans back and leaves it alone.

2:23 PM IST A sharp bouncer, around midddle. Rassie van der Dussen ducks underneath it and lets that through to the keeper.

2:23 PM IST Short of a length delivery again, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen defends this one out.

2:22 PM IST Touch shorter this time, around off. Rassie van der Dussen blocks it out off the back foot.

2:21 PM IST Good-length delivery, outside off. Rassie van der Dussen shoulders arms to it.

2:21 PM IST FOUR! A fine shot by Rassie van der Dussen! Jasprit Bumrah serves it on a length, drifting it onto the pads. Rassie van der Dussen just tickles it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

2:20 PM IST A Full ball, on off by Siraj this time. He gets a little inswing there. Rassie van der Dussen looks to defend it but gets the inside half of his blade towards backward square leg for a single.

2:18 PM IST Good-length delivery on off. Rassie van der Dussen defends this back to the bowler.

2:18 PM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Rassie van der Dussen lets it go this time. It is all about patience!

2:17 PM IST On a length, on middle. Rassie van der Dussen works it to mid-wicket this time. Rassie van der Dussen is a key player here for South Africa.

2:17 PM IST A length ball, on off. Elgar pushes it towards off side and takes a quick single.

2:16 PM IST Back of a length, around leg. Rassie van der Dussen clips it to fine leg for a single.

2:15 PM IST Another short ball to end the over! There is a definite plan here from Indians to bowl short. Coming to the ball, it is a short ball on middle. Elgar ducks under it.

2:14 PM IST A full ball this time by Bumrah on off. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward and pushes it to covers and takes a single.

2:13 PM IST Bumrah bowls this short on off. Rassie van der Dussen ducks under it.

2:13 PM IST Back of a length, around off. Rassie van der Dussen pushes at it with soft hands square on the off side. He looks for a single but is sent back by his partner.

2:12 PM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Rassie van der Dussen lets it go this time.

2:12 PM IST Back of a length, around off. Rassie van der Dussen gets back and defends it solidly.

2:11 PM IST A short ball to end the over. Siraj bowls this short on middle from 'round the wicket. Elgar ducks under it.

2:10 PM IST BEATEN! A good-length delivery around off. Elgar pushes at it off the front foot but the ball misses the outside edge of his blade as it seams away. Brilliant bowling.

2:09 PM IST On a length, outside off. Elgar leaves it alone this time.

2:09 PM IST FOUR! Another nasty bouncer but it produces a boundary. A good short ball, on off from 'round the wicket. Dean Elgar hops and looks to defend it but the ball catches some part of his glove and then rubs his shoulder and goes over Pant for a boundary.

2:08 PM IST Good-length delivery around off. Elgar first thinks of playing it but then lets it go.

2:07 PM IST Back of a length, on middle. Elgar clips it through mid-wicket and gets a couple.

2:06 PM IST Shorter length, outside off this time. Rassie van der Dussen lets it go.

2:06 PM IST A full ball and down the leg side this time. Rassie van der Dussen looks to clip it but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes to the keeper. There is a muted appeal there but no damage done.

2:05 PM IST On a length, on off. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward and blocks it solidly.

2:04 PM IST Shorter length again, on middle and leg. Elgar clips it to deep square leg for a single.

2:04 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Elgar blocks it out this time comfortably.

2:03 PM IST A nasty bouncer by Bumrah from 'round the wicket. Dean Elgar is hurried on the pull and just about manages to pull it towards square leg. This is superb bowling by the Indians.

2:02 PM IST Good-length delivery outside off. Rassie van der Dussen leaves it alone this time.

2:01 PM IST Fuller delivery on pads this time. Elgar pushes wide of mid on and gets a single.

2:00 PM IST Back of a length, on leg and hurries on Elgar as he looks to defend it. The ball hits his him high on the pads.

2:00 PM IST In that channel around off this time. Dean Elgar pushes forward to defend but the ball beats the outside edge of his blade as it seams away sharply.

1:59 PM IST A good short ball to follow up the wicket ball. Rassie van der Dussen goes for pull and gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air but falls short of the fine leg fielder. A single taken.

1:58 PM IST Rassie van der Dussen walks out to bat at No.4.

1:56 PM IST OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Mohammed Siraj strikes and the partnership is finally broken. A full delivery on off, bit of away swing on that. Keegan Petersen looks to drive it towards the on side but the ball finds the outside edge of his blade. It goes back to Pant and he takes a brilliant catch diving to his right. India have got the breakthrough and they will be looking to capitalise on it now. Keegan Petersen will be disappointed. He had done all the hard work till now but has to go back after getting set.

1:55 PM IST Jasprit Bumrah drops this one short, wide of off. The ball hits the deck, bounces, and shapes away sharply. Dean Elgar lets that go through to the keeper. Pant does well to dive on his left and collect the ball.

1:54 PM IST Touch fuller, outside off. Dean Elgar lunges and defends it watchfully.

1:54 PM IST Jasprit Bumrah serves a fuller one, around the off pole. Dean Elgar blocks it out.

1:53 PM IST Shortish delivery, on the pads this time. Dean Elgar taps it towards short leg.

1:53 PM IST On a length again, outside off. Dean Elgar pushes it towards point.

1:52 PM IST A length ball, outside off. Dean Elgar blocks it out off the front foot.

1:54 PM IST India have taken a review for an LBW. Height might be the only issue here. UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that it is umpire's call on wickets hitting. The original decision stands. India retain their review. The Indians were pretty confident after looking at the replays. Kohli was even heard saying that if Mayank's was out in the first innings, this is plumb, that is not the case though as it is clipping the top of the stumps. Really close.

1:51 PM IST NOT OUT! A huge shout for LBW, but the umpire says no. Mohammed Siraj is confident and thinks he has got him. Virat Kohli goes for the review. A length ball, nipping back in on the pads. Keegan Petersen misses his flick and gets rapped on the front pad. The replay rolls in. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved. Ball Tracker shows that it is umpires call on wickets! The umpire's decision stands and India have retained their review! Keegan Petersen survives.

1:49 PM IST Angling it on the pads, on a length. Dean Elgar uses his wrists and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

1:48 PM IST Going round the wicket this time, a good-length delivery, outside off. Dean Elgar hangs back and defends this one towards point.

1:47 PM IST Shortish delivery, outside off. Dean Elgar defends that solidly towards cover.

1:46 PM IST On a length, outside off. Dean Elgar blocks it on the off side.

1:46 PM IST Length ball, outside off. Dean Elgar prods and defends that one.

1:45 PM IST FOUR! A beautiful shot to end the over! Mohammed Shami drops this shot and wide of off. Keegan Petersen waits back, stands tall and punches it through covers for a boundary.

1:44 PM IST Back-of-a-length delivery, on middle. Keegan Petersen defends that off the back foot.

1:43 PM IST Short in length, around middle. Keegan Petersen, on back foot, blocks it out.

1:43 PM IST On a length, angling it on middle, at 137 clicks. Keegan Petersen defends that one.

1:42 PM IST Shortish delivery again, outside off. Keegan Petersen leaves that alone.

1:41 PM IST Back of a length, outside off, angling it away a tad. Keegan Petersen shoulders arms to it.

1:40 PM IST Good-length delivery, around the off pole. Dean Elgar lunges and defends that out.

1:40 PM IST Pulling his length back here, outside off. Keegan Petersen hangs back and guides to point for a single.

1:39 PM IST Touch fuller this time, outside off, at 133 clicks. Keegan Petersen leans and blocks it watchfully.

1:39 PM IST Good-length delivery, on the pads. Keegan Petersen tucks it to mid-wicket.

1:38 PM IST A length ball, outside off. Elgar taps it towards cover and scampers through to the other end.

1:37 PM IST Mohammed Siraj starts off with a ripper! A peach of a delivery here. Siraj drops it a touch shorter, outside off. Dean Elgar looks to defend that but gets beaten as the ball whizzes past the outside edge as the ball drifts away a tad.

1:37 PM IST Mohammed Siraj to bowl from the other end.

1:36 PM IST A good-length delivery, on the pads. Dean Elgar tucks it towards fine leg. A single to end the over.

1:35 PM IST Extra bounce! A length ball, shaping back in on middle, at 130 clicks. Dean Elgar looks to defend, but the ball deflects off his glove due to the extra bounce.

1:34 PM IST Back of a length, outside off. Dean Elgar, on back foot, punches it towards cover point.

1:34 PM IST Pulling his length back, outside off. Dean Elgar hangs back and punches it towards cover.

1:33 PM IST FOUR! Nicely played! Mohammed Shami overpitches this one, outside off. Dean Elgar prods and gently pushes it past the mid off fielder. The ball races away all the way towards the fence for a boundary.

1:32 PM IST A fuller length delivery, around off. Dean Elgar lunges and blocks it watchfully.

1:31 PM IST We are back for the final session! Indian players make their way out to the middle. Keegan Petersen and Dean Elgar walk out to resume their innings. Mohammed Shami to start after the break.

1:29 PM IST ... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

1:18 PM IST For India, it is all going according to the plan, they came out with intent and attacked the South African bowlers earlier in the session. Yes, they did keep losing wickets but have managed to take the lead past the 300-run mark. They then had a little time to bowl at South Africa before the break and they have managed to get the important wicket of Markram. The wicket has a lot on offer and it is all about being patient and hitting the right lines and that is what India have done in this Test. Can they continue the good work? We will find out in the final session. We will be back at 7.00 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT). Stay tuned.

1:15 PM IST South Africa have done well to only lose the single wicket in the little time they had before the break because the Indian bowlers were right on the money again! Both Shami and Bumrah bowled relentless lines and lengths and tested the South African batters. They got the big wicket of Markram courtesy Shami but Elgar and Keegan have shown very good fight to ensure there were no more wickets to fall after that. Still a long way to go though and the hosts will hope the two can keep fighting.

1:13 PM IST Full again, outside off. Keegan Petersen does well to negotiate the last ball. He watches it closely and digs it out. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

1:12 PM IST Full, on off. Keegan Petersen comes forward and blocks it out.

1:11 PM IST Good-length ball, outside off. Keegan Petersen leaves it for the keeper to collect.

1:11 PM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Keegan Petersen drives it towards covers.

1:10 PM IST Back of a length, on middle and leg. Dean Elgar glances it to fine leg. He rotates the strike.

1:10 PM IST Good-length ball, outside off, nipping in. Dean Elgar looks to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge but Elgar played with soft hands. Hence, the ball does not get carried to the third slip fielder.

1:08 PM IST Length ball, on off, nipping back in. Keegan Petersen works it off the inner half of his bat to backward square leg for a couple of runs.

1:07 PM IST Fuller this time, on off. Dean Elgar comes forward and pushes it towards covers for a single.

1:07 PM IST On a good length, around off, coming back in. Dean Elgar taps it towards point.

1:06 PM IST On a good length, on off. Dean Elgar blocks it towards covers.

1:06 PM IST Shami goes wide of the crease and bowls it on a length, on off. Dean Elgar withdraws his bat at the last moment as he was unsure whether to play or leave. The ball goes off the bottom half to the slip cordon.

1:05 PM IST Fuller, on off. Dean Elgar stabs the ball on the leg side.

1:04 PM IST Back of a length, on middle and leg. Keegan Petersen hops and blocks it from the crease. First maiden over for Jasprit Bumrah in this innings.

1:03 PM IST Bangs a short ball now, on middle. Keegan Petersen sits under it.

1:03 PM IST Goes a little full this time, on off. Keegan Petersen drives but straight to covers.

1:02 PM IST Good-length ball, on off. Much straighter from Jasprit Bumrah this time around. Keegan Petersen hops and defends it back onto the deck.

1:02 PM IST Back of a length now, on middle, coming back in. Keegan Petersen tucks it one-handed on the leg side.

1:01 PM IST Good-length ball, on middle, angling in. Keegan Petersen blocks it out.

1:00 PM IST On a length, on middle. Keegan Petersen looks to tuck. The ball goes off the inside edge behind square on the leg side for a single. Keegan Petersen keeps the strike for the next over.

12:59 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Keegan Petersen stands up on his toes and meets it with a dead bat.

12:58 PM IST Good-length ball, on off. Keegan Petersen gets in the line and defends.

12:58 PM IST FOUR! Beautifully played! Played such a gorgeous-looking shot in the first innings as well. This was fuller, on off. Keegan Petersen drives it to long off for a boundary. Timing on that one was exquisite.

12:57 PM IST Comes 'round the wicket and bowls it on a length, on off. Dean Elgar taps it towards covers for a run.

12:56 PM IST Length ball, on middle. Keegan Petersen prods and flicks it to mid-wicket. The fielder there dives to his left and half-stops it. The batters cross ends.

12:55 PM IST Another play and a miss! What a pitch this is turning out to be. The ball is jagging around quite regulary. On a good-length, around off. Dean Elgar pushes at it tentatively again but the ball beats the outside edge of his blade again.

12:55 PM IST BEATEN AGAIN! A good-length delivery that induces Elgar into a poke and then seams away to beat the outside edge of his blade.

12:54 PM IST On a length, on off. Elgar pushes it to short cover this time.

12:53 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Elgar defends this off the back foot this time.

12:53 PM IST FOUR! Drifting on the pads this time and Elgar does not miss out! A length ball, on the pads. Elgar flicks it through  square leg for a boundary. They need to score runs at any opportunity they receive.

12:52 PM IST BEATEN! A good-length delivery around off. Elgar looks to defend it but the ball misses the outside edge of his blade as it seams away from him again.

12:51 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Keegan Petersen defends it out towards the off side this time.

12:50 PM IST Here we go...Again that extra bounce off the length! A good-length delivery around off. Keegan Petersen looks to defend it but the ball misses the outside edge of his blade as it seams away and bounces sharply.

12:49 PM IST On a length, on off. Keegan Petersen defends it watchfully yet again.

12:49 PM IST Good-length delivery on off. Keegan Petersen defends this solidly.

12:48 PM IST Full and wide this time outside off. Keegan Petersen lets it go this time.

12:47 PM IST FOUR! Nice timing by Keegan Petersen! An overpitched delivery on middle. Keegan Petersen leans forward and flicks it wide of mid on for a boundary. Good shot.

12:47 PM IST On a length, on off. Elgar defends it towards the off side this time without much fuss.

12:46 PM IST Back of a length, on leg. Clipped to deep backward square leg for a couple.

12:45 PM IST Another beautiful delivery, nipping away! A good-length delivery around off. Elgar decides to leave it after he first thinks of pushing at it.

12:45 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Elgar defends this onto the turf this time.

12:44 PM IST Good-length delivery and swinging away this time. Elgar looks to push at it but the ball misses the outside edge of his blade.

12:43 PM IST On a length, on off. Elgar defends this solidly off the back foot.

12:43 PM IST A good-length delivery around off. Keegan Petersen decides to leave it this time. End of a brilliant first over from Shami.

12:42 PM IST A fuller ball, this time. Keegan Petersen drives it to mid off.

12:41 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Keegan Petersen defends this off the back foot.

12:42 PM IST Keegan Petersen walks in to bat at number 3.

12:39 PM IST OUT! BOWLED! Shami continues to test Aiden Markram by bowling in that channel around off and gets rewarded with a wicket off his third ball. A good-length delivery around off. Aiden Markram tries to leave it but is late on that decision. The ball catches the inside edge of his blade and shatters the stumps. It is Shami again who produces the wicket. This is top quality bowling. India draw first blood!

12:39 PM IST Good-length delivery around off. Aiden Markram is squared up again as he looks to defend, the ball goes towards backward point off the outside edge. Shami has straightaway found good swing here.

12:38 PM IST Shami produces the edge straightaway but it falls short! A full ball, on off. Swinging away. Aiden Markram goes for a big booming drive but the ball catches the outside edge of his blade and falls just short of diving Pant there.

12:38 PM IST Mohammed Shami will bowl from the other end.

12:37 PM IST A full ball, on leg. Elgar clips it to short fine leg. Good first over from Bumrah.

12:36 PM IST A full ball, on middle. Elgar defends this back to the bowler. Hint of an away movement again.

12:36 PM IST Back of a length, on middle and leg. Some extra bounce there. Aiden Markram works it to fine leg for a single.

12:35 PM IST A good-length delivery outside off this time. Aiden Markram decides again to leave it.

12:34 PM IST Good-length delivery around off. Aiden Markram leaves it. The balls swings into him sharply this time.

12:34 PM IST Bumrah starts with a good-length delivery on off. Aiden Markram goes on the back foot and blocks it solidly.