SA VS IND 2ND TEST

PITCH REPORT - Former Indian cricketer and a legendary spinner, Anil Kumble, states that the pitch has deteriorated a bit, but not that much. Observes that there is a rough around the off stump from both ends. But he still reckons that the track still isn't like a traditional day 5 pitch. He expects the bounce to be true with the odd ball jumping up. He also details that some balls will arrive slower than expected, which could bring a good challenge from someone like Jansen.

India face a monumental challenge today - some might even call it unrealistic, but cricket has a way of surprising us. That said, given the hosts’ recent tendency to collapse, the signs aren’t encouraging. Kuldeep Yadav did a solid job as nightwatchman to survive till Stumps on Day 4, but with the surface now showing cracks and rough patches, handling Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer will be a real test, and Marco Jansen’s short-ball barrage - which caused plenty of trouble in the first innings will only add to the pressure. India will need something special from Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar if they are to salvage anything from this contest and avoid yet another humbling series defeat at home.

South Africa batted, batted, and simply kept on batting when most expected a declaration - first after Tea, then after Lunch, but it finally came with just about an hour left on Day 4. Tristan Stubbs’ superb 94 was the standout knock, though he’ll regret falling short of a deserved hundred, while Tony de Zorzi also missed a milestone after falling for 49. Still, their persistence meant South Africa piled up a monumental second-innings lead of 548 runs - the highest ever in India, surpassing Australia’s 542 run-mark from 2004. And they weren’t done yet. In the overs that remained, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer removed both Indian openers, tightening their grip on the contest, if it wasn’t already firm enough.

After the first Test in Kolkata wrapped up inside three days, hardly anyone would’ve bet on this Guwahati clash stretching to the final day. But here we are - and let’s be honest, only one side has truly called the shots. Across the 12 sessions so far, South Africa have owned at least 10 of them, putting themselves on the brink of a historic series win on Indian soil. Their task now is straightforward - take eight wickets in roughly 90 overs (light permitting). India, on the other hand, need an entire day of grit, patience, and resolve to salvage a draw, because victory is well out of sight. With all that in mind, a warm welcome to our coverage for the final time in this gripping Test series.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

Right then! Do we even need to say what is ahead of us? Day 5 will be historic, whatever the results. Mind you, India still have a chance. You don't write them off, however, that writing is in pencil, which South Africa would be eager to erase it. Do join us for the final day at 9 am IST (3.30 am GMT). Till then, cheers!

Tristan Stubbs is up for a quick chat with Deep Dasgupta. On missing out on his third Test century, he admits that he feels a bit disappointed. But tells that India are two down already, so he will take it. On being asked about the declaration plan, he shares that they wanted to bat for 40 minutes after Lunch. Highlights that when Jadeja came on to bowl, he knew two hits were his best shot as that was the last over. On the shot on which he got dismissed, he details that it was a defensive shot to get off strike as he was forced to play at it. About the surface, he notes that there are some foot holes out there, and Harmer showed it by dismissing KL Rahul. Ends by saying that if they keep landing the ball in the right areas, there's enough in this wicket to clean them up.

There were rumours of a declaration happening in the second session but Bavuma made India fall on their knees, making them tired and chase the ball for another hour or so in the final session. Tristan Stubbs had a chance to register a century and South Africa were waiting for their young talent to reach the landmark but Stubbs fell 6 runs short, eventually putting up a humongous score for India to chase it down.

India began the morning with great determination. They had no option but to dominate the day. The hosts started well, bowling with a lot of intent and energy, eventually picking three wickets. With a victory out of equation, it felt like India have given themselves a good chance to draw the series in the morning session, but then came the body blow when Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi joined hands to add 101 runs to the total. Tony fell one short of his fifty but there were no signs of declaration despite the Proteas crossing the 450-mark.

How well was that declaration timed? We all felt that South Africa are postponing it a bit too much, but 15.5 overs in just more than an hour and paying dividends as the openers' wickets! Sounds brilliant. Bavuma and Co. plotted every move with perfection today. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul had a bumpy road to play with, but the visitors blasted with pace from both ends against some tired minds. Marco Jansen removed Jaiswal for the third time in four innings while Simon Harmer bowled an absolute jaffa to dismiss KL. Kuldeep Yadav came in as a nightwatchman and did a pretty good job along with Sai Sudharsan, who survived a couple of scars in his time on the crease.

There are many beautiful mountains in Guwahati, Assam, but none bigger than what the Indian team are looking forward to. These metaphors sound nice and cool, but not when your team needs to win and level the series. The story is unfolding just as South Africa wanted it to. They have not put a foot wrong in this whole Test match and the series so far. The Proteas are chasing their first Test series win in India in 25 years and the World Test Champions are just a day away from writing it with golden letters.

The light-meter is out. We usually ended during this period in the past three days, with the light fading out a lot. It's the same today as well. The umpires call it a day. STUMPS ON DAY 4.

A yard behind fuller length, drifting into the stumps. Kuldeep Yadav goes back and across and defends it back to the bowler.

Drags the length back, just outside off. Kuldeep Yadav gets in two minds whether to leave or play. Does not get his bat out of the line and the ball goes off the toe end and lands between silly point and the first slip fielders.

Around off, spinning in from off, Kuldeep defends it well into the leg side past short leg.

Fuller and on off, Kuldeep strides forward and defends it under his eyes.

On a fuller length, on off, Kuldeep Yadav blocks it off the front foot.

Full and outside off, Sai Sudharsan strides across but offers no shot.

Around off, on a length, tapped away to point.