SA vs IND, Boxing Day Test, Highlights: Play called off due to rain after KL Rahul rescue act

Right then, given that this is only a two-match Test series, India have yet again failed to conquer that elusive first Test series win in South Africa which is also considered as the 'final frontier' for India. On the other hand, the Proteas have once again shown why they have been such a class red-ball outfit over the last two decades or so even with what looked like a slightly depleted and inexperienced lineup. The curtain comes down on the year 2023 as these two sides will now meet in the 2nd Test and the final match of this tour in 2024. The 2nd Test will be played at Newlands in Cape Town and will begin on the 3rd of January at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). However, you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up. Till then, take care and we wish everyone a Happy New Year. Cheers!

Dean Elgar, the stand-in captain for South Africa is also the Player of the match for his sublime knock of 185 runs in the first innings. He says that it's pretty special for him and gets emotional and says that he's gonna cry but will smile and enjoy the moment. Adds that contributing to the team is the main focus and the guys did well collectively as a group. It was a massive effort. Says that the wicket was quite juicy and that they planned to simplify everything without trying anything extra. Adds that a few good partnerships with Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham and Marco Jansen really paved the way for them to get that broad lead ahead of the Indians. He appreciates David Bedingham for his phenomenal contribution on debut. He says that they needed no less than 20 wickets to get a win against such a talented Indian side. He goes on to say that Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger bowled amazing spells, especially Burger who shined on his debut and got the reward. In the end, he thanks the crowd and concludes by saying that he's leaving on a good positive note.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, says he is disappointed and feels they were not good enough to win this Test match. He adds that they batted decently in the first innings but fell short after that. He then says that every individual in the team has their own plans in place and knows what is expected out of them. He makes a note of the hard lines and lengths that the Proteas bowled which was crucial and they failed to negate it well. He also appreciates KL Rahul's knock in the first innings along with the batting performance from Virat Kohli. He further concludes that it is important for the team to regroup and get out of this loss and focus on the next one ahead of them.

The Presentation ceremony...

A marvelous inning from Virat Kohli goes in vain as only two batters get into double-figures for India in their second innings and they have bundled out for a meager score of 131 runs. It was an ominous start as skipper Rohit Sharma fell prey to Kagiso Rabada for a duck and his opening partner soon followed. Shubman Gill looked fairly settled and played some delightful shots alongside Kohli but got out and after that the middle order simply crumbled. Kohli saw that he was running out of partners and tried to muster up as many runs as possible but it was by no means enough. With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah looked like the only one who had a clear assessment of the track and even though Mohammed Siraj bowled well in patches, the other two seamers were simply off their game. KL Rahul was the only other batter apart from Kohli who actually showed grit in the first innings and along with the tail gave India half a chance in the first innings. Overall though, this was an unexpected result, one which should come as a wake-up call to the visitors.

Coming into Day 3, the Proteas were well ahead of the game having a triple-digit lead under their belt and they quickly added vital runs to take it to 163 runs before getting bundled out with a man short. Marco Jansen didn't have a say with the ball in the first innings but he certainly made and impact with the bat with a career-best 84 not out and was able to take that form into his bowling in the second innings as he picked up three big wickets. Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger though were the ones who did most of the damage in both innings and ended with 7 wickets each in the game. Burger just looks the part and in him, South Africa might have found a talented and aggressive left-arm pacer for the next few years. All in all, Dean Elgar dominated with the bat and in general they dominated with ball in hand as well and have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

What an end to the 1st Test match and what a memorable one it has been for the hometown boy - Dean Elgar who leads his side to a wonderful win. There are tears in his eyes as he knows it is the last time he has played at this ground but South Africa have dominated the game against a few odds too. There was an injury cloud hovering over the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi but the former did play and was one of the chief architects of the win as well. In the absence of skipper Temba Bavuma who injured his hamstring on Day 1 itself, the others stepped up and even the two debutants - Nandre Burger and David Bedingham played vital roles in the win. As for India, it was yet again a case of relying on individual brilliance rather than playing together as a team and providing support to each other and they have suffered a huge innings defeat.

34.1: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, OUT! TAKEN! Wow, what a catch to end it all and fittingly it is Kagiso Rabada who takes it. Marco Jansen comes in from around the stumps and digs it in short over the stumps. Virat Kohli dances down the track and flat-bats it up and over the bowler's head without great timing. KG races across to his left from long on and takes a fine tumbling catch on the run with both hands. Jansen ends with a third wicket and the Proteas are absolutely pumped up. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 32 RUNS!

33.6: Nandre Burger to Prasidh Krishna, Another peach of a delivery by Burger! Back of a length which passes over the off stump. Prasidh Krishna gets squared up on that one on the outside edge.

33.5: Nandre Burger to Prasidh Krishna, Peach of a delivery that! Fuller and on the leg stump, Prasidh Krishna plays and misses and gets hit on the lower half of his pad. A big appeal from the keeper but the umpire turns it down.

33.4: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Cannons on a back of a length into the stump line, Virat Kohli tries to flick it off his wrists but misses to connect and the ball takes his thigh pad instead and rolls behind point and Kohli sprints for a leg-bye single.

33.3: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Beaten! A back-of-a-length delivery, outside the off, Virat Kohli shuffles closer to drive it over covers but gets beaten on the outside edge.

33.2: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That's two in a row! Fuller delivery this time, outside the line of off, Virat Kohli advances down the track making some room and hoists this one over the mid off for another boundary. He is taking on the Proteas here.

33.1: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That's off the edge! Nandre Burger bangs this one a touch shorter, into the deck, outside off, Virat Kohli walks down the track and wacks it over point for a boundary.

32.6: Kagiso Rabada to Prasidh Krishna, Low full toss this time on off, Prasidh Krishna pushes it to mid on. He somehow survives lethal Rabada.

32.5: Kagiso Rabada to Prasidh Krishna, A sharp bouncer which guns into the bodyline of Prasidh Krishna, he ducks underneath in time and the ball carries through to the keeper.

32.4: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, On a back of a length and outside off, Virat Kohli confidently stands tall on the bounce and slashes it towards deep extra cover for a single.

32.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fuller, on the line of off, Virat Kohli digs it to cover region.

32.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fuller this time, around the line of off, Virat Kohli comes down the track and wacks it right from the meat of the bat to mid off. No runs taken again.

32.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Short of a length, pitched into the deck and around middle and leg, Virat Kohli advances down the track and tucks it to mid-wicket. No runs taken.

31.6: Nandre Burger to Prasidh Krishna, Good length which angles back from middle, Prasidh Krishna somehow manages to bring his bat and blocks it off the back foot.

Drinks break! India really needs a quick breather as they are struggling big time against Kagiso Rabada and the debutant Nandre Burger's pace battery. With just one wicket away from a historic win, South Africa will bat an eye to bundle up India quickly. Also, Prasidh Krishna walks in as the last man for India.

31.5: Nandre Burger to Mohammed Siraj, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Excellent review and South Africa are now just one wicket away from victory. A nasty delivery this from Nandre Burger as he bangs a short bumper over off and this one angles in sharply staying a touch low as well. Mohammed Siraj looks to duck but is taken aback and the ball hits the helmet before Kyle Verreynne gobbles it up behind the stumps. There is a half-hearted appeal for caught behind and it seemed like the ball just grazed the helmet of Mohammed Siraj who is down on the deck. South Africa do take the review and why not with just two wickets remaining. The physio comes out but UltraEdge shows that the ball went off the right thumb before it took the helmet and Burger has his fourth wicket.

31.4: Nandre Burger to Mohammed Siraj, Back of a length around the off stump channel, Mohammed Siraj hangs back and punches it off the back foot towards point.

31.3: Nandre Burger to Mohammed Siraj, FOUR! Tucked away by Mohammed Siraj. A fuller delivery, on the line of middle and leg, Mohammed Siraj shuffles towards the off and guides the ball through the short fine leg for a boundary.

31.2: Nandre Burger to Mohammed Siraj, A touch fuller, in the corridor, Mohammed Siraj tries to defend on the back foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

31.1: Nandre Burger to Mohammed Siraj, Pitched fuller, on the line of off stump, Mohammed Siraj defends it on the back foot and is itching to get off the strike. Kohli turns him down.

30.6: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Short and outside off, Virat Kohli advances down the track to pull but misses the whole of it. Siraj calls for a quick single but VK sends him back as Kyle Verreynne does well behind the wicket and throws the ball back to Rabada. A good call there by Virat.

30.5: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That's placed nicely! Back of a length around the off stump channel, Virat Kohli waits for the ball and guides it quite late off the back foot and pierces the gully and the third slip fielder for a boundary. That is some quality shot.

30.4: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, This one stays low a bit on the off-stump line, Virat Kohli is alert and defends it off the front foot on a long stride ahead.

30.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, A good-length delivery, just around the line of off, Virat Kohli prods a step forward and defends it to long off.

Mohammed Siraj walks out to bat now but he will be at the non-striker's end.

30.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust for India and that one was a bit unnecessary. Kagiso Rabada bowls this one on a good length on off stump, Kohli gets on the front foot and punches it through the big gap at covers. After a second or so, Kohli calls for the run as he thinks there's a possibility of two. Dean Elgar is the one who chases it down and is quick to get to the ball. Kohli is quick to get back for the second run but Jasprit Bumrah is s.truggling and he should have sent Kohli back. The throw at the bowler's end is a bit wide but KG does well to collect the ball and dsilodge the bails. Bumrah isn't even in the picture and he isn't happy either.

30.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Short of a length, into the bodyline, Virat Kohli pulls it along the ground on the back foot towards the backward square leg for two easy runs.

29.6: Nandre Burger to Jasprit Bumrah, At 139 clicks on the back of a length, Jasprit Bumrah leaves it all and the ball goes past through the wicket-keeper from over the off pole.

29.5: Nandre Burger to Jasprit Bumrah, Straighter into the stump line on a tad fuller length, Jasprit Bumrah prods ahead and defends it back to the bowler.

29.4: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, A steep bumper outside off, Virat Kohli detects the length quite early and gets in position quickly, prepares himself for a handsome pull towards deep mid-wicket and runs a single.

29.3: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Nandre Burger bowls this one short into the deck, outside the line of off, nipping in a bit, Virat Kohli waits for it and pulls it to perfection over the short fine leg for a boundary.

29.2: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Fuller, outside off, Virat Kohli goes for the drive over cover but gets a thick inside edge towards mid-wicket.

29.1: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, On the hard length, angling into the off stump line, Virat Kohli dabs it short mid-wicket from the crease.

28.6: Kagiso Rabada to Jasprit Bumrah, Surprises Bumrah with a short-pitched delivery into the bodyline. Jasprit Bumrah gets in an awkwardly weird position off the back foot but somehow manages to keep it down.

28.5: Kagiso Rabada to Jasprit Bumrah, On a back of a length this time outside off, Jasprit Bumrah ignores to play it and lets it go through to the keeper.

28.4: Kagiso Rabada to Jasprit Bumrah, A well-attempted yorker outside off, Jasprit Bumrah jams his bat in time and hits it back to the bowler.

Jasprit Bumrah is the next batter in.

28.3: Kagiso Rabada to Shardul Thakur, OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso Rabada now gets his second wicket and Shardul Thakur is a goner! KG serves this one on a hard length over off stump and gets the ball to shoot off the deck. Thakur is caught on the crease and looks to defend off the back foot with hard hands but the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and pops up wide of gully. David Bedingham there slides to his right and completes a simple catch. India are still 58 runs behind and South Africa are just 3 wickets away from victory.

28.2: Kagiso Rabada to Shardul Thakur, Fuller one, into the stumps, Shardul Thakur flicks it off the front foot to mid on.

28.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Shorter of a length, outside off, Virat Kohli waits for it and slaps it to deep point for one.

27.6: Nandre Burger to Shardul Thakur, EDGED AND DROPPED! This is pitched on a hard length and outside off, it shoots further up after pitching and takes Shardul Thakur by surprise. He tries to slash it off the back foot but gets late on that and edges towards first slip. Marco Jansen the tall man jumps on his full stretch for the catch, it deflects from his fingers and rolls towards third man. The batters cross for a double in the meantime. South Africa put another one down.

27.5: Nandre Burger to Shardul Thakur, Slightly fuller and around the vicinity of the off pole, Shardul Thakur negotiates well and defends it off the front foot.

27.4: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Cannons a short length delivery outside off and angling in, Virat Kohli skillfully flicks it towards widish mid-wicket for a single.

27.3: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, FOUR! FIFTY for Kohli and what a fighting knock this has been but he has so much more to do from hereon! Nandre Burger serves this one fuller and on the line of middle and off, Virat Kohli gets under the ball and flicks it to mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

27.2: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Pitched into the deck again, a touch shorter, into the line of middle and leg, Virat Kohli rocks back and defends it to gully.

27.1: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Hattrick delivery! Beaten! That was so close. Short of a length, nipping away from the line of middle and off, bouncing off the deck. Virat Kohli tries to hit it with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

26.6: Kagiso Rabada to Shardul Thakur, On a back of a length and outside off, Shardul Thakur defends it to backward point.

26.5: Kagiso Rabada to Shardul Thakur, Targets the stump line this time on a hard length, it nips into the batter, Shardul Thakur punches it towards the bowler off the back foot.

26.4: Kagiso Rabada to Shardul Thakur, Digs in a sharp bouncer outside the off stump line, Shardul Thakur sways away from poking that one.

26.3: Kagiso Rabada to Shardul Thakur, Short of a length, angling towards the leg stump, Shardul Thakur ducks at this one as the ball goes past him to the keeper.

26.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, On the good length, pitched hard into the deck and outside the off stump, Virat Kohli gets back and works the ball towards the cover region for one.

26.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fuller, into the stumps, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot and drives it to mid on.

Shardul Thakur is the next batter in.

25.6: Nandre Burger to Ravichandran Ashwin, OUT! CAUGHT AGAIN! Two in two for Nandre Burger and he is lighting it up in his debut Test match. Burger keeps coming from around the stumps and serves it on a shortish length outside off stump. Ravichandran Ashwin goes on the back foot and looks to be positive with a back-foot punch but only gets an outside edge on that one. The ball flies quickly to the right of gully where the other debutant for South Africa, David Bedingham takes a sharp catch around his chest. Ashwin goes for a golden duck and India in a heap of trouble now.

Ravichandran Ashwin is the new man in.

25.5: Nandre Burger to KL Rahul, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Nandre Burger comes back into the attack and picks up a massive wicket for South Africa. Burger goes wider on the crease and angles in a fuller delivery close to the off stump. KL Rahul is forced to play at it but Burger gets a hint of reverse on that one and Rahul gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes quickly around chest height to Aiden Markram at second slip and this time he makes no mistake. India have lost half their side now and they still trail by 67 runs.

25.4: Nandre Burger to KL Rahul, On a fuller length and outside off, KL Rahul covers his off stump, leans ahead and drives straight towards cover.

25.3: Nandre Burger to KL Rahul, Beaten! Pitched fuller, into the corridor, forcing KL Rahul to play at it. The ball beats the outside edge of KL's bat on the front foot defence.

25.2: Nandre Burger to KL Rahul, A touch shorter this time, around the line of off, KL Rahul wrists it to cover on the back foot.

25.1: Nandre Burger to KL Rahul, Fuller one, angling into the top of off stump, KL Rahul blocks it on the front foot.

A slight halt in the play as Virat Kohli has been hit right on the face guard of the helmet. He seems fine though and Nandre Burger is brought back into the attack by Dean Elgar.

24.6: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Whoa! That's a fiery bumper straight onto Virat's bodyline. Virat Kohli misses a pull on that short ball and gets cramped up on a low bounce on that one. The ball thuds his helmet and lobs towards short leg. Both exchange smiles as Kohli is alright.

24.5: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Back of a length ball into the bodyline and slightly on the leg stump line, Virat Kohli hops back and punches it towards mid on.

24.4: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Serves on a fullish length and outside off, this one keeps straighter after pitching, Virat Kohli alertly leaves it alone.

24.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Length delivery, just outside off, in the corridor, Virat Kohli lets it go past to the keeper.

24.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, On the hard length again, into the line of middle and off, Virat Kohli blocks it on the front foot.

24.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, On the hard length, into the line of off stump, at 135 clicks, Virat Kohli defends it on the front foot.

23.6: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, On the same length and just outside off, KL Rahul covers his off stump and leans ahead for a drive through the cover region, but gets the inside half of the bat which deflects off his pad. The ball rolls towards short cover.

23.5: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Angles across in from outside off on a fuller length, KL Rahul is happy to let that go through to the keeper.

23.4: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, On a hard length at 136 clicks, around the off stump channel, Virat Kohli plays it towards cover off the back foot and sprints a quick single.

23.3: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Fuller one, angling into the stumps, Virat Kohli drives it to mid on on the front foot.

23.2: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, A touch shorter this time, just outside the line of off stump, Virat Kohli rocks back and defends it to cover.

23.1: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Fuller delivery, into the stumps, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot and taps it to mid on.

22.6: Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, This one shapes away further from outside off on a hard length, KL Rahul shoulders arms on it. 

22.5: Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Serves a fuller length delivery this time, just around off, KL Rahul gets ahead for a drive and gets a thickish inside half of the bat on that one towards mid on.

22.4: Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Bowls on a harder length and angles in from off pole, KL Rahul rides on the bounce and punches it back to the bowler.

22.3: Kagiso Rabada to KL Rahul, Back of a length, angling into top of off, KL Rahul defends it to the left of gully for no runs.

22.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, 1 run. Similar line, a touch fuller, Virat Kohli tucks it to fine leg for a run.

22.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Shorter of a length, angling into the leg stump line, Virat Kohli nudges it on the back foot to backward square leg for two.

Kagiso Rabada (6-2-19-1) is back into the attack.

21.6: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Shortish delivery outside off, KL Rahul swivels and pulls keeping it down and straight to square leg. A maiden over comes to an end.

21.5: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, On a good length and aiming the stumps, KL Rahul defends it solidly back to the bowler off the front foot.

21.4: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Back of a length ball which shoots further from the deck with a hint of a movement, KL Rahul decides to leave it all at the last moment through to the keeper.

21.3: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Just short of a length, wobbling outside off, KL Rahul watches the ball go through to the keeper.

21.2: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Fuller again, on the line of off, KL Rahul offers a front foot defence.

21.1: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Fuller, on the line of off, KL Rahul gets on the front foot and defends it to mid off.

20.6: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Quality! This is a bit fuller and on the legs yet again, Virat Kohli duly obliges the gift and clips it away firmly to the sqaure leg fence for four more runs.

20.5: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Length delivery outside off, Virat Kohli presses forward and pushes it from the middle of the bat towards extra cover for a single. Dean Elgar runs to his left from mid off and misses to pick the ball, and Virat Kohli is alert on that as he runs for the double. Smart running there.

20.4: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Identical delivery as the previous one, pitched outside off with a considerable outswing, Virat Kohli shoulders arms on that one.

20.3: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, just outside the off stump line, bouncing off the deck, Virat Kohli shoulders arms.

20.2: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Fuller again, just outside the line of off, Virat Kohli hold his bat up high and lets this one go past to the keeper.

20.1: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Beautiful shot! Gerald Coetzee serves this fuller, on the line of middle and off, Virat Kohli gets right under it and flicks it off his pads with the full face of the bat for a glorious boundary in front of mid-wicket.

19.6: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Shorter in length and angled in from well outside the off stump, KL Rahul shoulders arms at it.

19.5: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, FOUR! A lovely drive to get off the mark from KL Rahul. Full and outside off, angling in, Rahul gets on the front foot and just firmly punches it in front of cover-point for a boundary.

19.4: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Just drags the length back a bit over off stump, KL Rahul defends it late and with soft hands.

19.3: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Good length again around the top of off, KL Rahul watchfully keeps it out.

UPDATE - News on Temba Bavuma as the word from the medical team was that it was too much of a risk to bat him in the first innings. They are trying to monitor things and get him ready to bat in the fourth innings if required.

19.2: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Good length outside off, patted away to point.

19.1: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Nagging length onto off stump and angled in, KL Rahul goes on the back foot to defend it out.

18.6: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Short and wide, Virat Kohli goes chasing after it but misses.

18.5: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, That is a ripper, an absolute ripper! Pitches it on a good length around middle, the ball nips away sharply and takes off the deck and Virat Kohli is left praying that the ball doesn't catch the outside edge as he looks to block. The ball does a bit too much and zips past the outside edge as Kyle Verreynne collects it at face height.

18.4: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Fuller in length and closer to the off stump, Virat Kohli leaves it alone.

18.3: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, SIX! Oh, hello! That has gone all the way! Banged in short and outside off, Virat Kohli hops back and slams it off the back foot, lifting it flat over the point region for a maximum.

18.2: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Hits the good length hard and bowls it around the top of off. Virat Kohli blocks it solidly from the crease.

18.1: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Short of a length on the fifth stump line and seaming away, Virat Kohli watches the ball go through to the keeper.

17.6: Marco Jansen to KL Rahul, Nicely bowled! Fullish length, angling it in from outside off at 140 clicks, KL Rahul prods and looks to play at it but lets it through in the end.

KL Rahul, the centurion from the first innings is in next.

17.5: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, OUT! TIMBER! Marco Jansen with another solid comeback and he cleans up Shreyas Iyer as well. Keeps coming from around the stumps and serves it full around off stump, angling it in. Iyer looks to get on the front foot and flick it away but the ball takes a bit of an inside edge, goes onto the pads and then into the stumps. The bails fall off and Iyer might consider himself a bit unlucky but he did play all around it and Jansen has two to his name.

17.4: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Full and straight this time, Virat Kohli shows the full face of the bat and drives it straight down the ground. The fielder from mid on, Gerald Coetzee chases it down and saves a run for his side.

17.3: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Classic Virat Kohli! Nice and full angling into the legs, Kohli clips it away neatly behind square leg and the ball races away to the fence.

17.2: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Fuller now and angled into the middle stump, Virat Kohli leans forward and plays it with soft hands to mid on.

17.1: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Starts from around the wicket and bowls it a tad shorter around off, Virat Kohli goes on the back foot and pushes it down in front of covers.

Marco Jansen to bowl from the other end.

16.6: Gerald Coetzee to Shreyas Iyer, Full and outside off, seaming away late, Shreyas Iyer makes an assured leave.

16.5: Gerald Coetzee to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length over the stumps, getting it to rise up high after pitching. Shreyas Iyer goes on the back foot and negates the extra bounce well, keeping it down on the off side.

16.4: Gerald Coetzee to Shreyas Iyer, Shorter in length and in the channel, Shreyas Iyer shoulders arms.

16.3: Gerald Coetzee to Shreyas Iyer, Hard length outside off and going away, Shreyas Iyer leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

16.2: Gerald Coetzee to Shreyas Iyer, Nicely bowled! Short of a length on off, jagging back in sharply off the deck. Shreyas Iyer is caught in half and Kyle Verreynne thinks there's a noise but finds no support in his appeal.

16.1: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Runs right away! Pitched up outside off, Virat Kohli gets on the front foot and plays a lovely high-elbow cover drive through extra cover and picks up three runs as well. The lead has now trickled down to double digits - 98 runs.

All in readiness for the final session on Day 3! The umpires and the players of South Africa are back out in the middle. The duo of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer are all set to resume their stay on the crease. It will be Gerald Coetzee to get proceedings underway with the ball. Let's go...

... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

With still 101 runs needed to level scores, will the Proteas be able to go for the kill and dent the Indian batting lineup? Or will Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer resurrect the innings and put on a great partnership? Let's wait and watch as the final session of the day comes to you shortly.

The Proteas did great to add a lead of 163 runs on the board with a batter short. Marco Jansen was unfortunately left stranded at one end scoring an unbeaten 84 runs. The two pacers up top, Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger bowled fiery spells right from the go and ensured at no point in time India got into the game. A couple of missed chances at the slips will hurt the Proteas a bit but the way they have kept piling the pressure on the Indians will make up for it.

Another session of Test cricket comes to an end and at the end of the second session on Day 3, India are 62/3, trailing South Africa by 101 more runs. Jasprit Bumrah started off the post-Lunch session bowling hard lines and lengths and knocked KG in the very first over followed by Nandre Burger to finish the innings for the Proteas. After a great start to the Session with the ball, India was taken aback with both the openers being dismissed early in the innings. Shubnam Gill and Virat Kohli did steady the nerves a bit and fought back well to get India out of the hole but the wicket of Shubman Gill a few minutes before Tea further added to their misery.

15.6: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, Back of a length, angling in from outside off, Shreyas Iyer negates the ball well as that one stayed low. That will be Tea on Day 3!

15.5: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, Edged and put down again! Marco Jansen cannot believe it and just like the first innings both Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer get a life early on. Jansen serves it on a shortish length in the channel, angling in. Iyer gets caught on the back foot and plays at it with hard hands. The ball catches the outside edge and goes down to the left of third slip. Keegan Petersen there sticks out a left hand instead of going with both hands and the ball pops out and rolls towards third man. Two runs are taken.

15.4: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, Short of a length, angled in from outside off, Shreyas Iyer gets on the back foot and keeps it down towards point.

15.3: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR! Marco Jansen errs in line and Shreyas Iyer is off the mark with a lovely boundary. Full and drifted on the pads, Iyer flicks it away in front of square leg and picks up four runs. Iyer is now feeling a bit of pain on the knuckles because of the previous delivery and the physio is out to apply some magic spray.

15.2: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, Bangs it in a bit now and around off, angling it in, Shreyas Iyer hops and fends it off the gloves towards the slip cordon. That must have stung a bit.

15.1: Marco Jansen to Shreyas Iyer, Beaten! Floats this one up full and outside the off stump at 131 clicks, the ball nips away nicely off the deck. Shreyas Iyer looks to drive at it but the ball beats the outside edge.

14.6: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Full on the middle stump line, Virat Kohli alertly lunges forward and clips it to short mid-wicket.

14.5: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Just over gully but safe! A feeling-good delivery for Virat Kohli on a length outside off, he strides ahead and attempts to drive through the covers but gets an outside edge of the blade instead which flies over the gully fielder who stretches to his full strength to grab it but misses. The ball finds the boundary. VK had his heart in his mouth for a moment there.

14.4: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, On a back of a length aiming to the sticks, Virat Kohli confidently prods ahead and defends it solidly back to the bowler.

14.3: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Loose from Virat Kohli and he could have very easily edged that one. Slightly shorter but pushed well outside off, seaming further away. Kohli tries to play away from the body and goes chasing after it but is beaten.

14.2: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Banged in short and outside the line of off stump, Virat Kohli bends his back and sways away from the line of the ball.

14.1: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Rising up from a hard length around off, Virat Kohli rides the bounce well and eases it on the up to covers.

Shreyas Iyer is the new man in.

13.6: Marco Jansen to Shubman Gill, OUT! CLEANS HIM UP! Marco Jansen has the last laugh here and sends Shubman Gill packing. Jansen strolls in from around the wicket yet again and just bowls it very full on middle. The ball angles in and Gill ends up playing all around it. The ball just sneaks under the willow and crashes into the stumps and Gill is left disappointed. A poor shot and India lose their third wicket.

13.5: Marco Jansen to Shubman Gill, banged in shorter and around off, Shubman Gill hops on the back foot and keeps it down on the off side.

13.4: Marco Jansen to Shubman Gill, Back of a length and around off, nudged away to point.

13.3: Marco Jansen to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Changes the angle of attack but the result is the same. Good length outside off, Shubman Gill plants his front leg across and sublimely strokes it away past covers for another boundary. That was a shot of real authority.

13.2: Marco Jansen to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Marco Jansen just hasn't been on the mark with the ball in hand in this Test match. Short and wide this time, Shubman Gill stands tall and pats it away in front of square on the off side and the ball races away to the fence.

13.1: Marco Jansen to Shubman Gill, Shorter and over middle, Shubman Gill hops back to defend.

12.6: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Fuller in length and outside off at 141 clicks, stays a shade low, Virat Kohli manages to keep it out.

12.5: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Bread and butter for Virat Kohli. On a good length but much straighter, Kohli brings his wrists into play and flicks it away in front of square leg for a boundary.

12.4: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Slightly shorter and outside off, zipping through to the keeper as Virat Kohli leaves it alone.

12.3: Gerald Coetzee to Virat Kohli, Good length in the channel, Virat Kohli covers the line well and keeps it out.

12.2: Gerald Coetzee to Shubman Gill, Banged in short over middle, rising up high and hurrying the batter, Shubman Gill miscues the pull over mid-wicket and picks up a single. He wants two but Virat Kohli sends him back.

12.1: Gerald Coetzee to Shubman Gill, Starts off with a good-length delivery around off, getting it to bounce a bit extra off the deck as well. Shubman Gill plays inside the line of the ball.

11.6: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Fuller in length and around off, Virat Kohli defends it off the front foot.

11.5: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, EDGED AND PUT DOWN! A gem of a delivery that catches the outside edge. Pitched up on a nagging length on middle and it nips away sharply after pitching. Virat Kohli is beaten all ends up as the ball takes the edge and goes off the pads sharply to the left of first slip. The substitute fielder there Wiaan Mulder spills it to his left and the ball trickles down to third man. Two runs are taken.

11.4: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Up and over! A drag down from Jansen well outside the off stump, Virat Kohli reaches out and slices it over the backward point region for a second boundary in the over.

11.3: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, A touch fuller, into the stumps, Virat Kohli prods halfway and blocks it.

11.2: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, Fuller again, on the line of middle and off, Virat Kohli pushes it to point for no runs.

11.1: Marco Jansen to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Classic shot! Marco Jansen overpitches this one, and on the line of off stump, Virat Kohli takes away his front foot and drives it straight with the full face of bat past mid off for a boundary. If you can play this type of shot to get off the mark, it's worth waiting for 11 balls.

A first change in the bowling attack as Marco Jansen comes in.

10.6: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, outside off and carries extra bounce, Shubman Gill covers the off stump and attentively lets it go through to the keeper.

10.5: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, On a good length this time, outside off which further moves away from off, Shubman Gill shoulders arms on that one.

10.4: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Short of a length ball outside off, Shubman Gill stays in the crease and punches it off the back foot towards cover.

10.3: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Fuller, outside off, Shubman Gill shoulders arms at this one.

10.2: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, On the good length, just outside the off stump, Shubman Gill defends it on the back foot.

10.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Short of a length, drifting down the leg stump, Virat Kohli tries to flick it but gets hit on the thigh pad to short fine leg and gets a leg bye.

10.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FIVE WIDES! That's bounced a lot more than intended. Kagiso Rabada pitches it short and hard into the deck. The ball flies over the batter after bouncing and Kyle Verreynne fails to get to it as well. The ball trickles down to the long stop fence for a boundary.

9.6: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Pitched full and around the off stump, Shubman Gill pushes it firmly to the cover fielder.

9.5: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Back of a length which stays a bit low on bounce on off, Shubman Gill goes to push it and gets beaten on the outside edge. The ball dies before Kyle Verreynne as he picks it up on one bounce behind the wicket.

9.4: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Yes, that will give him more confidence. It's a glorious straight drive. Overpitched delivery which angles across the middle stump, Shubman Gill plants his front foot and creams the drive straight down the ground with authority. The ball races away to the fence past the mid off region for four.

9.3: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Just short of a length, into the top of off, Shubman Gill blocks it on the front foot right under his eyes.

9.2: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Fuller delivery, on the off stump line, Shubman Gill drives it to cover with the full face of the bat on the front foot.

9.1: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, On the good length, bouncing off the deck, around the off stump line, Shubman Gill rocks back and defends it onto the pitch.

8.6: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Another one on the same length around the off stump channel, Virat Kohli plays under the eyeline to the off side. A maiden over comes to an end.

8.5: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Back of a length on the off stump, Virat Kohli defends it confidently underneath the bat.

8.4: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, A bit of a yes and no there from the batters. Length ball around the off stump channel, Virat Kohli taps it off the front foot with soft hands and he's off for a single but Gill sends him back on a sharp call.

8.3: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Beaten! Kagiso Rabada pitches this right on the money, just outside the off stump, Virat Kohli tries to defend it straight on the front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

8.2: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Short of a length, outside off, Virat Kohli lets it go past to the keeper.

8.1: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Fuller one, drifting down the leg side, Virat Kohli tries to flick it but misses. The ball hits his pads and trickles down to square leg.

7.6: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, This one shapes in down the leg on a tad fuller length, Shubman Gill misses to flick it and the ball carries through to the keeper.

7.6: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Will have to reload that one. Shortish delivery way too outside off, Shubman Gill goes for a slash but misses. The umpire calls for a Wide as the ball lands in the hands of first slip.

7.5: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Back-of-a-length delivery at the leg stump, it moves away and Shubman Gill blocks it off the back foot to the off side.

7.4: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Testing times for India! Bowls on a good length which moves across with the angle from outside off, Shubman Gill plays inside the line of the ball off the back foot and misses his willow on it. Even Paul Reiffel the umpire is in awe of the delivery.

7.3: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Pitched into the deck hard and short, on the line of middle and leg, Shubman Gill withdraws the pull and lets it go past to the keeper.

7.2: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, A fraction fuller this time, outside off, Shubman Gill holds his bat high and leaves this one alone.

7.1: Nandre Burger to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, angling away from the off stump, Shubman Gill watches the ball go past to the keeper.

6.6: Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Tad fuller and shaping away from outside off, Virat Kohli leaves it alone and offers no shot at it. A terrific over from KG comes to an end.

6.5: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Back of a length ball which angles into the stumps, Shubman Gill closes the face of his bat and flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

6.4: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Jaffa! He is really testing his patience at the moment. Bowls with a wobble seam on a back of a length at the off stump, Shubman Gill hops for a punch and gets beaten all ends up on that one as the ball flirts past his outside edge.

6.3: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, A touch fuller, into the stumps, Shubman Gill defends it confidently on the front foot.

6.2: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, On the good length, just outside the line of off, Shubman Gill shoulders arms.

6.1: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, FOUR! That came off the outside edge. A good delivery pitched on the hard length, on the top of off, Shubman Gill gets on the back foot trying to defend it straight but gets a thick outside edge that goes past the gully for a boundary.

5.6: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, A perfect way to end the over! Length delivery at the leg stump which shapes in to the pads, Virat Kohli shuffles across to flick it but misses his willow on that one and the ball thuds his pads. A wicket maiden over from Nandre Burger.

5.5: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Another beauty from Burger! Bowls on a hard length and gets some extra bounce off the pitch on the middle stump line, Virat Kohli alertly leaves it alone with no shot on offer.

5.4: Nandre Burger to Virat Kohli, Welcomes Virat Kohli with a steep bumper which shoots further up after pitching. Virat Kohli decides to duck it and let it go through to the keeper.

Virat Kohli walks in at number 4 with his side in a spot of bother.

5.3: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brilliant from Nandre Burger and he picks off Yashasvi Jaiswal yet again and India are in early trouble here. Burger bangs it in a bit on a tighter line around off stump, angling it in. Jaiswal watches it well and looks to shoulder arms but the steep bounce means he cannot get those gloves high enough. The ball just kisses the under-glove and goes through to Kyle Verreynne who makes no error. Jaiswal departs for a low score on his birthday and India still trail by 150 runs.

5.2: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Fuller this time, on the leg stump line, Yashasvi Jaiswal defends it to mid on off the front foot.

5.1: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, On the good length, outside the off, a bit of movement in the air, Yashasvi Jaiswal lets this one go past to the keeper.

4.6: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Slightly fuller and angled back into off stump, Shubman Gill plays it off the front foot to mid on.

4.5: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Top shot! Good length at 142 clicks but a bit too straight, Shubman Gill shimmies across to the left and tucks it away in front of square on the leg side for another boundary.

4.4: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Full and around off, slanting back in at 140 clicks, Shubman Gill puts a big stride forward and keeps it out.

4.3: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Good shot and that will give Shubman Gill loads of confidence. KG drops this one short and bowls it over middle, Gill picks up the length early and pulls it flat like a tennis forehand in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.2: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Slightly fuller and outside off at 142 clicks, Shubman Gill gets forward and pushes it to point.

4.1: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, Nagging length in and around the top of off stump, Shubman Gill makes a very assured leave.

3.6: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full and in the channel around off at 143 clicks, Yashasvi Jaiswal shoulders arms. Another maiden for South Africa.

3.5: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nicely bowled! Nagging length in the channel, angling in and nipping away after pitching, Yashasvi Jaiswal pulls out of the shot midway and lets the ball pass.

3.4: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back of a length over middle, angled into the body at 140 clicks, Yashasvi Jaiswal hops back and keeps it out on the off side.

3.3: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Full again and outside off, nibbling away and this time Yashasvi Jaiswal leaves it alone.

3.2: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Oh, Yashasvi Jaiswal flirting with danger there! This is pitched up fuller and outside off, shaping away quickly. Jaiswal shuffles across the off stump a bit and looks to thrash it through covers is beaten past the outside edge.

3.1: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Bowled slightly back of a length and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal makes an easy leave.

2.6: Kagiso Rabada to Shubman Gill, On a hard length and in the channel, shooting off the deck, Shubman Gill watches it well and leaves it alone. A wicket-maiden from KG!

Shubman Gill is the next batter in for India after an early dismissal of the skipper Rohit Sharma.

2.5: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, OUT! TIMBER! Kagiso Rabada with a special delivery and he keeps tormenting Rohit Sharma. Rabada steams in and pitches it up on middle stump with the angle into the right-hander. The ball pitches and nips away sharply as Sharma plays completely down the wrong line and is beaten past the outside edge. The ball knocks over the off stump and Rabada sends Sharma packing for a duck and for a seventh time in 11 innings as well. Perfect start for South Africa here.

2.4: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Pitched up right in line with the stumps at 141 clicks and angled in, Rohit Sharma covers the line well and solidly defends it out.

2.3: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Fuller in length and outside off, nipping away off the deck, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.

2.2: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Hits the good length again at 142 clicks and angles it into middle stump, Rohit Sharma stays back and defends it with soft hands.

2.1: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Serves it on a good length in the channel, getting it to bounce off the deck, Rohit Sharma watches it go past to the keeper.

1.6: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Another leave from Jaiswal as this is bowled full and in the channel around off.

1.5: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Banged in short now and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal doesn't play at it.

1.4: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Fuller in length and around the off stump, Yashasvi Jaiswal leaves it alone.

1.3: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Back of a length and outside off, extracting some additional bounce, left alone.

1.2: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Shot! A fraction back of a length and outside off, Yashasvi Jaiswal stands tall and gets on top of the bounce before slapping it on the up in front of point for a boundary.

1.1: Nandre Burger to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Starts from over the stumps and pitches it up outside off, swinging it away, Yashasvi Jaiswal watchfully leaves it alone

Nandre Burger to bowl from the other end.

0.6: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Back of a length in the channel and holding its line, Rohit Sharma leaves it alone. End of a testing first over from Kagiso Rabada.

0.5: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Full and around off, angling in. Rohit Sharma plays it back to the bowler.

0.4: Kagiso Rabada to Rohit Sharma, Too high but another brute of a delivery! Perfect length on off and middle, this one nips back in sharply and Rohit Sharma is caught on the crease and wears it on the pads.

0.3: Kagiso Rabada to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Off the mark now! Pitched up on the stumps, angling in. Yashasvi Jaiswal with a gentle push back to the bowler who lets it through and allows the single.

0.2: Kagiso Rabada to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Good length again on the stumps, Yashasvi Jaiswal tentatively nudges it to mid-wicket.

0.1: Kagiso Rabada to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Wow, what a ball to start with from Kagiso Rabada and he should have had a wicket off the first ball! This is served on a perfect length on off stump, nipping away off the deck. Yashasvi Jaiswal looks to block but gets an outside edge that goes down to the left of first slip. Aiden Markram at second slip goes down to his right and spills the catch. Yashasvi Jaiswal gets a gift on his birthday.