South Africa close to first series win in India since 2000

South Africa are on the brink of a first Test series win in India for 25 years after reducing the hosts to 27-2 in pursuit of 549 on day four in Guwahati.

India, who were skittled for 201 in their first innings, must bat throughout the final day to avoid a second whitewash in three home Test series.

Prior to last October’s 3-0 defeat by New Zealand, they hadn’t lost a Test series on home soil for 12 years.

South Africa won the two-Test series opener in Kolkata by 30 runs.

Resuming on 26-0, South Africa wobbled to 77-3, losing three wickets for 18 runs in a 13-over spell, before Tristan Stubbs took charge.

Top-scoring with 94, he shared a century partnership with Tony de Zorzi and added a further 82 alongside Wiaan Mulder to power South Africa’s overnight lead of 314 to beyond 500.

He missed out on a third Test century when he was bowled by a slower ball from spinner Ravindra Jadeja (4-62), prompting South Africa’s declaration.

In reply, India lost two wickets inside 10 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind off Marco Jansen and KL Rahul bowled by Simon Harmer.

Kuldeep Yadav, who faced 134 deliveries for his 19 in the first innings, was sent out as nightwatchman and remained not out on four at stumps. Sai Sudharsan has six. (BBC)