Highlights, 2nd Test, Day 4: India lose Kohli and openers, stare at a series defeat vs South Africa

Earlier in the day, the Proteas were finally bundled out after they kept the tourists at bay for almost 92 overs and 259 runs. Elgar and de Villiers need a mention for notching up fifties (also not to forget their 141-run association together) and Faf, too, for his stoic knock that ended two short of fifty. Without stating Philander's contribution, where he managed to stay for 26 overs with his skipper in a stand that read 46 runs, the South Africans' scorecard wouldn't have been aptly described. If at all we say, that they were restricted, it is because of Shami's four-for and Bumrah's three.

India had about 25 overs to see off the day and 23 were bowled in actual. But they failed to come out unscathed from the passage. There was a steady flow of wickets and that has hampered them big time. The telling blow was that of Kohli, who easily looked India's best in the first essay. Rabada first, and Ngidi later, helped their side rock back the visitors who has a tall mountain of 287 runs to chase.

Hush, thank god the day's done and dusted. Don't get me wrong, these are not my words but these are what the 11 men representing India might be feeling. If you try to fight fire with wood or ice, you'd be the one getting burned or injured. But that won't be the case if you either get away from the line of fire or counter it with more fire. Yes, the talk of fire is enough to let you know that the heat is on at Centurion. South Africa are the one dominating this and only a miracle can deny them a win from here.

Patel sees off the final ball of the day with a forward defence. That's all for the day, STUMPS, DAY 4!  India 307, 35/3, need 252 runs to win vs South Africa (335 and 258). Pujara 11*, Kohli 5, Ngidi 2/14

Last over of the day, Keshav Maharaj to bowl it.

 Patel tries to defend this but ends up getting a thick edge through gully for a brace.​ IND 307 and 34/3, need 253 runs to win vs SA (335 & 258) 

Runs for Patel after some oohs and aahs. He punches this through cover-point for a brace. IND 30/3 in 20 overs

Huge appeal, in fact the Proteas go up in celebration here. They are cut short only by the umpire's disagreement. Ngidi angles this down the leg side, Patel gets across and looks to flick. The ball goes off something to de Kock who goes up in celebration. All the players appeal to no avail. Replays confirm that it went off the pads indeed.

Now, out comes the chest guard for Parthiv Patel. He is also seen popping some pills there.

Look what a short ball that affects you can do. Patel hangs back expecting a barrage from Morkel as well. The pacer, realizing this, slips in a fuller one around off and middle. Parthiv chips it aerially towards mid on, where it last just short of Philander. He ends up parrying it to his right and a run results. De Kock has his hands on his heads and has to react quickly to collect the unanticipated throw from Vern. IND 307 and 28/3, need 259 runs more to win vs SA (335 & 258)

Oh my gosh! Parthiv Patel is down on his haunches. He fails to get this length ball, that is a touch short, away. The ball that is delivered at 136 kph, goes on to strike him on his ribs. He is down in pain as he is not wearing a chest guard. The Proteas come in to have a word with him and ensure he is all good. Good to see this sportsmanship among them though that wouldn't reduce the brutality that they will be offering to the batsmen. On another look, it is seen that the ball hit his gloves as well. Good for him as that would have reduced the impact on that. Nevertheless, he is good to go now.

Parthiv Patel strides out to bat next. Surprising move? Not sure. If anything, India must have sent him in as an assured nightwatchman. Or maybe a left-right combination.

OUT! Game, set, match? The frustrating look on Kohli's face and the felicity on the South Africans' says just that. Ngidi lands it on a length outside off and it nips back in viciously. What's more, it stays low as well. Kohli hops up and looks to flick it away but misses to get hit on the front pad. Dead duck. The appeal from the Proteas is just a formality and they get the umpire's nod. Virat knows he is a goner but the value that he brings to the side made him opt for the review after talking with Pujara. . IND (307) and 26/3, need 261 runs to win vs SA (335 and 258)

Gone! Kohli has been given the marching orders here. After a lot of pondering, he opts for the DRS. This one stayed low and scooted in. No chance of getting saved due to height. Inside edge? Let's see.​

FOUR! Come back, come back, shouts Kohli as soon as Pujara played that and they crossed for a run. But no need, as the ball has been timed really well. This is angled in on a length, Pujara works it through fine leg. Morkel has to run to his right in the deep, he does so and slides in an attempt to stop that. But he lands on his right shoulder and fails to keep the ball in play. No questioning his commitment but one wonders whether the lanky pacer needs to risk an injury at this stage of the game.​​ IND 25/2 in 15.1 overs

FOUR! Almost gone! That's what the first look showed. Length delivery aiming at the stumps, it squares Kohli up. He ends up edging it past third slip and gets a boundary. Of all the ways to get off the mark, this is the one this time for the Indian skipper and that too after 8 balls.​ IND 307 & 21/2, need 266 runs more to win vs SA (335 & 258)

MAIDEN! Length ball from Morkel, a touch on the shorter side, outside off. Pujara minds his own business by getting his bat out of the way. A maiden over to start for the lanky veteran pacer.​ IND 16/2, chasing 287 to win

Another change. The tall Morne Morkel will run in with the ball now. He's on the back of a four-for in the first innings. On his home ground, his confidence will be taller than his height.

Virat Kohli walks in to bat next. I think it's time that we stop giving huge build-ups and introduction about this guy. If you want it, take this - 153 .

 OUT! KL Rahul, what have you done? Brain fade? Overconfidence? Wonder what else it could be. Whatever it is, the young Ngidi picks up his second Test wicket. Now the voices talking about Dhawan-for-Rahul will get louder. His face hangs down in disappointment but he has nobody else to blame but the man whom he sees when he looks in the mirror. Ngidi bowls a harmless length ball outside off. Yes, HARMLESS. Rahul could have left it alone all day long. Instead, he hits it off the middle of the bat straight to Maharaj at backward point. The fielder would have felt like participating in a catch-practise session.​ IND 307 and 16/2, need 271 runs to win vs SA (335 and 258)

Pitch is not easy to bat on, reckons former India captain Sunil Gavaskar. Lovely bowling. Seeing the previous ball come in, Pujara hangs his defensive bat out to play at that. But this one moves away from outside off beating the outside edge by not much. Clever stuff from Vern. Maiden over.​

The ball has been shown to the umpire. The seam seems to be bruised and Morkel does the right thing by taking it to the umpire rather than picking on it and taking things in his hands.

Intent. That's writ large on this single from KL Rahul. However, Pujara's heart would have been in his mouth. The former taps this length ball towards point and sets off for a run. The latter responds without any hesitation. He would have given an after-thought to that call seeing de Villiers get to the ball but does well to make it in. AB nails a direct hit at the striker's end but Pujara is well in. IND 307 & 16/1 in 10 overs, need 271 runs more to win vs SA (335 & 258)

On a length around off from Philander, shaping away. Pujara guides it through backward point for a couple. IND 14/1 in 9 overs, chasing 287 to win.

Cheteshwar Pujara walks out at no. 3.

OUT! Drags it on! Rabada draws first blood! An early wicket for South Africa. Rabada lands it on a length around off, jags back in also stays low. Vijay tries to defend but the ball takes the bottom edge and deflects onto the stumps. Not a lot Vijay could have done on that delivery. He walks back dejected and India have been rocked early. IND 307 and 11/1, need 276 runs to win vs SA (335 and 258)

Full and wide outside off, swinging away. Rahul once again leaves it. A little closer to the off pole with the same swing and the slip cordon might be in business. Third maiden on the trot from the South African bowlers. IND 307 and 11/0, need 276 runs to win.

MAIDEN! Top stuff from Philander, he's bowling a tight line here giving nothing away to the visitors.

A similar shot to the boundary Vijay has hit but this time but Faf has a man at deep point. So only a single. A defensive approach by Faf? Maybe because the pitch is not that hard to bat on.​ IND 11/0 in 4 overs

FOUR! Top shot from Vijay! Not an easy shot to play. Back of a length delivery outside off, Vijay rocks back and punches it through cover-point for the first boundary off the Indian innings. IND 307 & 9/0, need 278 runs more to win

Yes, no, yes, no and to Vijay's delight Rabada slips. Gavaskar on-air mentions that the calling between the two has not been good. Vijay taps the length ball towards mid-on and initially calls for a run. The two hesitate again but then go through with it. Rabada runs towards the ball and slips as he reaches to it. No harm was done. IND (307) 5/0 in 3 overs, chasing 287 to win vs SA (335 and 258)

Rabada bowls it on a good length on off, Vijay taps it towards point and calls for a run. Vijay hesitates but they continue with it as Rahul wants it. Maharaj fires a wayward throw at the non-striker's end and the batsmen get an extra run. IND 3/0 in 2 overs

Kagiso Rabada will share the new ball!

Beauty! Fuller in length on off, shapes away. Rahul is drawn into the drive but gets beaten. No need of playing those especially on the first ball. He has a smile on his face but that would have been wiped off had he edged it. IND 307 and 1/0, chasing 287 to win.

Indian openers - Murali Vijay and KL Rahul are at the crease. Vijay is on strike. Vernon Philander will open the attack for the hosts.

India on the other hand, bowled well. They were disciplined and also chipped away at the wickets. Shami and Bumrah impressed the most with both picking 7 between them. They were well supported by the rest, especially Ishant who also kept it tight and managed to take two. Now they will have to concentrate on their batting and hope for their openers to get them off to a solid start and make the chase easier. South Africa However will look to prise out a couple of wickets by the end of today. Join us for the chase in a while.

287 is the target for the Indians! They face an uphill task here as this is not going to be easy. The made quick work though of the remaining three wickets in this session, with Faf falling two short of his half ton. Shami, Ashwin and Bumrah all picked one wicket each in this session. The hosts started off with a lead of 28 but were rocked back early by the Indians. Bumrah picked up 2 quick wickets and they were in a mush at 3 for 2. But then a 141-run stand between Elgar and de Villiers with both scoring a half ton ensured they are back on top before the latter fell. South Africa did lose wickets at regular intervals after that but Faf du Plessis ensured that his side gets to a respectable total.

OUT! That's it! Ngidi holes out! Ashwin finally gets one, he tosses this one up on middle, Lungi tries to go over long on. He got the elevation but no the distance. Vijay in the deep runs to his right and takes an excellent catch, above his head. SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 258! 287 is the target for the visitors.

FOUR! WOW! Where did that come from? Bumrah lands it on a length around middle, Morkel moves his front leg out of the way and hits it through mid on for a boundary. The crowd absolutely loves it as there is a big cheer. The Indian players won't like it though.​ SA 258/9 in 91 overs, lead IND by 286 runs

Handy runs for South Africa! Bumrah bowls the third bumper of the over! Ngidi goes for the pull but it goes off the helmet and down towards the third man. Kohli from first slip gives it a chase and the batsmen take two leg byes. SA 253/9 in 90.3 overs

FOUR! Poor by Ashwin, he is gifting runs! He bowls it short on middle, Morkel rocks back and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 279 is the lead can they take it up to 300?​ SA 335 and 251/9, lead IND (307) by 279 runs

Lungi Ngidi is the last man in.

OUT! Excellent catch by Bumrah! He dropped one earlier but latches onto this one! He once again bowls another slower one on middle, Faf this time is early into the shot and it goes off the inner half to the right of the bowler who sticks his right hand out and hangs on. Jasprit is delighted as he throws the ball up in joy. He gets his third and Faf walks back after an innings which lacked intent. he falls four two short of his third half ton of the series. India are one wicket away from bowling the Proteas out. SA 335 & 245/9, lead IND (307) by 273 runs

Morne Morkel strides out to the middle.

OUT! GONE! Shami gets his fourth! He bowls it on a length around off, Rabada tries to drive it on the up with minimal foot movement. It flies off the outside edge to Kohli at second slip who does not drop this one. An early wicket for India after the break, just what they wanted. SA - 335 & 245/8, lead IND (307) by 273 runs

DROPPED! That came back quickly though! Bumrah bowls it very full on middle, Faf drives it back uppishly towards the bowler who tries taking evasive action and also catch it at the same time. The ball hits him on his hands and onto the ground, Never looked like catching that one, Bumrah. SA 335 & 243/7, lead IND (307) by 271 runs

FOUR! Faf du Plessis pulls Bumrah for a boundary through mid-wicket. Bumrah bangs it short on middle, Faf takes on the challenge of pulling it and he does well. He hits it over mid-wicket for a boundary. South Africa 335 & 242/7, lead India (307) by 270 runs

FOUR! Rabada hits Shami for a boundary to long-off. Off the mark after 20 balls! A top shot to get off the mark! Shami bowls it fuller on off, Rabada times it beautifully through mid off for a boundary. South Africa 335 & 235/7, lead India (307) by 263 runs

Ashwin starts off with a maiden! South Africa 335 & 230/7, lead India (307) by 258 runs

We are back for the final session! Du Plessis and Rabada are coming out to bat. R Ashwin to start after Tea

FOUR! 3000 runs for Faf du Plessis in Tests and he gets there in style! Short and on the body, Faf swivels and pulls it through the backward square leg for a boundary. South Africa 335 and 230/7, lead India (307) by 258 runs at TEA. Faf du Plessis 37*, Ishant 2/40

Ohkay! A friendly warning there by Kohli to Rabada as he left the non-striker's crease even before the ball was dead. Kohli could have inflicted a run out there but instead complained to the umpire about it and the umpire too had a word with Rabada about the same. Don't think he will be leaving the crease now.

Mohammed Shami is back into the attack.

Just short! A length ball on middle, Rabada flicks it uppishly but short of short mid-wicket.​ Single from the over. SA 226/7 in 81 overs

The new ball is now due! Will India take it? No they don't and Pandya continues.

Ashwin tosses it up on off, it turns away sharply. Rabada goes for the booming drive but misses. The ball beats the keeper and even goes past the diving slip fielder for two byes.  SA 225/7 in 80 overs

FOUR! This is Faf's first boundary in this session! Pandya bowls it on a length outside off, offers a little width. Du Plessis times it through covers for a boundary. SA 223/7 in 79 overs, lead crosses the 250-run mark.

Just one over for Ashwin! Hardik Pandya is back into the attack.

Nicely bowled! Making good use of the angle, Ishant. He has his tail up here. He comes running in and lands it on a length around off, it angles away. Rabada tries to defend but is beaten.​SA 335 and 219/7 in 78 overs, lead IND (307) by 247 runs

Kagiso Rabada walks in at no. 9. Meanwhile, R Ashwin is back into the attack.

OUT! Another one bites the dust! Ishant Sharma roars in celebration as he gets his second in consecutive overs. He bowls it on a length around off, it straightens a touch. Maharaj pokes at it and gets an outside edge to the keeper, Patel, who takes it. Maharaj walks back early and the Indians are back in the game now.  SA 335, 215/7, lead IND (307) by 243 runs

FOUR! Off the bottom! Ishant serves a full toss down the leg side. All Maharaj has to do is put the bat on it. He does so but does not get it off the middle, it goes off the bottom and down to fine leg for a boundary. SA (335) and 215/6, lead IND (307) by 243 runs.

EDGED AND GONE! No wait... the umpire does not think so! Hardik though was adamant there was an edge there. He bowls it short and outside off, Faf goes for the square cut but seems to have missed it. Parthiv dives to his right and collects the ball. Hardik makes a huge appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Pandya wants it to be reviewed but nor does the keeper and neither does his captain agree and hence they don't. Hardik walks back to his mark in anger but the Parthiv for once was right there as replays, later on, show there was no edge.An eventful over from Hardik Pandya comes to an end.  SA 211/6 in 75 overs

Another good delivery on middle, swinging back in. Maharaj tries to defend but it takes the inside edge through square leg for a couple. SA 211/6 in 74 overs

Keshav Maharaj walks out to the middle. Also in the meantime, the ball has been changed for mystery reasons.

OUT! ISHANT STRIKES! The frustrating 46-run stand off 156 balls has been broken! Sharma gets his first and he is ecstatic. He bangs it in short on middle, Philander plays the pull shot but does not time it. It lobs towards Murali Vijay who is standing in front of square for an easy catch. Philander walks back after playing a gritty knock. Also, the nature of this partnership has not let the game slip away from India, this wicket has now brought the visitors back in it. Can they now trigger a collapse? The lead is 3 short of 240. SA - 335, 209/6, lead IND (307) by 237 runs

Pandya sprays it on the pads, Philander works it through mid-wicket to move to his 26th run.​ SA 209/5 in 73 overs

Arieal but well short! India are desperate for a wicket and they need this to go to hand. Ishant bowls an inswinger on middle, Faf flicks it uppishly but well short of Kohli. Maiden from Ishant! SA 208/5 in 72 overs, lead IND (307) by 236 runs

The drinks break comes as a respite from this monotonous bat-ball contest (actually a no contest at the moment). At the moment it just seems as if players from one side are running in with a red round object in their hands and landing it in an area for the wooden object to make contact. Du Plessis has found a wonderful confidant in Philander who has helped him string a 43-run stand off 133 balls.​

Ishant bowls it on the pads, Vernon fails to flick it and gets it through backward square leg off his pads. A leg bye signalled as a run is taken.​ SA 206/5 in 70 overs, lead IND (307) by 234 runs

Bouncer around off from Ishant, pulled all along the ground to deep square leg for one. Often we don't appreciate the beauty of this stroke as the replay makes me do. Faf had his eye on the eyes till the end and roll his hand on that to ensure he doesn't hit it aerially. The stand between du Plessis and Philander is worth 40 runs now off 120 balls. Shows the time it had taken to come. SA 204/5 in 68 overs, lead IND (307) by 232 runs

Communicating in a language which is not known to the opposition is so useful.... when India were batting we observed that Virat Kohli was talking in Hindi with his partners. Now, Faf du Plessis follows that principle and is talking to Vernon Philander in Afrikaans. Could have translated what he said... only if we knew that language... anyone willing to help?

Shorter in length from Pandya, Philander looks to pull it. Ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads and the ball rolls through the backward square leg for one. 2 runs from the over. SA 202/5 in 67 overs

Gone! Oh no! KI, my colleague's reaction made me type so excitedly. It is bowled on a length just outside off, this one, unlike others, doesn't move away. It holds its line even as Faf is forced to defend it away from his body. Seems like a tickling sound came as the ball passed the willow but no other Indian on the field there felt so. Maiden from Ishant!

Quick run there. Faf punches this towards covers and takes off to the other end quickly. There is a shy at the batter's end but it doesn't hit the stumps there even as Philander strives to make in and does eventually. Patel dives to back the throw-up. SA 200/5 in 65 overs, lead IND (307) by 228 runs

The decision wasn't surprising as it turns out. NOT OUT! Looked so to the naked eye as well, but it turns out closer than we thought. Pandya hurls this on a length around off and coming in. Du Plessis seems to be taken aback by something as he indicated so after missing the flick and getting hit on the front pad. Pandya says that there's no inside edge and hence Kohli, after asking someone else as well, perhaps the keeper, opts for the DRS. Time for a re-look. No inside edge on that as seen from the Snicko. Hawk-Eye says that it would go on to clip the top of the leg stumps but the smallest of margins. Hence it is umpire's call and the on-field call stays. Thankfully for India and Kohli, the review is retained.

Another review taken, more in hope than conviction. It is for LBW against du Plessis again. Seems to be sliding down leg...

Good stuff from Ishant! Length ball in a line just outside off, Vernon opens the face of the bat to guide it to the man at deep backward point for a single. Just 2 singles from the over. SA 198/5 in 64 overs

Ishant Sharma to roll his arm from the other end now. He's wicketless in this innings so far.

Much better delivery from Pandya. Gets it to jag back in from a length around off. Philander gets his bat down in a hurry and ends up getting it off the inner half on his front pad. Just a single from the over. SA 196/5 in 63 overs, lead IND by 224 runs

The on-air commentators inform us that this session and the next one is extended by 15 minutes to make up for the time lost yesterday.

Hardik Pandya to bowl for the first time in this innings.

FOUR! Bumrah strays on the pads and pays the price. He bowls this full in length, Philander just helps it across to the fine leg fence.​ SA 195/5 in 62 overs

NOT OUT! Bat only! Weirdest of reviews from India. Bumrah runs in and slips in a yorker in the line of the stumps. Du Plessis seems to have dug it out well but his front leg was also close to the bat. India appeal but fail to get the desired decision.

Bat first? Toe first? India appeal for an LBW against du Plessis. On not getting the nod, they go upstairs after conferring amongst themselves.

Floated around the middle, du Plessis comes down the track to work it away to the on side. Kohli does well now to stop it with a dive and prevent a run. 3 singles from Ashwin's over. SA 190/5 in 61 overs

Good work but not so good! Driven on the up towards mid-off. Ishant gets to his left, does well to put in the slide. But ends up parrying it back without stopping it cleanly. Ends up conceding a brace. He nails down the stumps at the bowler's end with the throw due to which Bumrah appeals. Michael Holding gives reply to that on air, saying du Plessis wouldn't be too careless to do what Pandya did.​ SA 187/5 in 60 overs, lead IND (307) by 215 runs

FOUR! Too full that, grunts Michael Holding on air. Playing against the turn isn't easy and Philander needs to be credited for that here. Floated full and outside off, Philander gets his front foot down and drives it nicely through covers. Gets a boundary as a result.​ SA 184/5 in 58.1 overs, lead IND (307) by 212 runs 

Nicely played. Vernon pushes this through covers for one to retain strike.4 singles from Ashwin's over. SA 179/5 in 57 overs

As expected, Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl from the other end. Strangely, he hasn't got much off the surface today, the rain affecting the surface perhaps.

 Loud call in affirmation for a run from du Plessis after diving it towards wide mid off. Ishant does the mop up but a single taken easily.​ SA 175/5 in 56 overs, lead IND (307) by 203 runs

Sunil Gavaskar on air says that there are cracks on the surface but they are more horizontal. These won't affect the batters as much as the vertical ones would, he opines.

Out come the players and the umpires as well. This session will begin with Vernon Philander facing Jasprit Bumrah first up. Faf du Plessis waits at the other end. Kohli has tended to have this fielder often in this game - the widish first slip. Has him again. Here we go...

We're back! Good to have you with us. The South African lead stands at 201 at this point, with half the side still in the hut.

We're back! Good to have you with us. The South African lead stands at 201 at this point, with half the side still in the hut.

... Day 4, 2nd Session ...

Ashwin toiled around unsuccessfully for 22 overs. Shami was the man who ran in and troubled the hosts with the ball. The scalps that he got were a just reward for his efforts. What can we expect next? Perhaps more screams from Kohli. More plays and misses, maybe. Some more attritional cricket definitely. See you soon on the other side.

Elgar and de Villiers looked assured when they started off. They stitched together a 141-run stand, the highest in this series so far. Although the former looked a touch fidgety, the latter more-than-compensated for that and was unlucky to fall short of his century by 20 runs. That gave India the little opening they needed and they picked up a couple more soon after. More fortunate were they to prise out Elgar as well.

26 overs, 83 runs, 3 wickets - these are the relevant figures for this session. The over rate is 13. Not encouraging. India should have slipped in a few more overs in a bid to eke out some more wickets but that's not to be. Aakash Chopra had tweeted this morning that India shouldn't expect a session filled with wickets and should be happy with something around 75/4 this morning. That's what has happened so far.

MAIDEN from ASHWIN! Floated outside off, defended off the front foot towards short leg. LUNCH on the penultimate day! SA 173/5 in 55 overs, lead IND (307) by 201 runs.

Good umpiring. Philander was trying some time-wasting tactics there to which the umpire says that 'you can do it after Lunch'.

Loud clear call for YES from the Protea skipper as soon as he hit it towards wide mid off. A run completed with ease. SA 173/5 in 54 overs

Jasprit Bumrah is back in the attack.

Knocked him over? No! It seemed so at the first look that Shami had breached du Plessis defence. But it struck his thigh pad and rolled to the slip cordon. Lovely ball to end the over from Shami. SA 172/5 in 52 overs, lead IND (307) by 200 runs

Early loud call from Faf! Remember the Philander-du Plessis history, right? In the first essay, there was a terrible mix up that resulted in the former's wicket. Here the skipper doesn't want that to happen. Vernon taps this towards covers and sets off for a run. A loud call from the opposite end makes him abort the idea. SA 169/5 in 51.1 overs, lead IND by 197 runs

Shami has taken three wickets here in this session to lift India's hopes. Now, the onus is on Ashwin to capitalize on the momentum.

The next man in for South Africa is Vernon Philander. My colleague observes that whenever he laughs, a wicket goes down off the next one and that's what has happened even here.

OUT! Shami removes De Kock for 12. De Kock was trying hard to get out and he does edge one eventually! Generally bowlers strive hard to take a wicket but here it is the southpaw who tried hard and succeeded in gifting one here. Edged the previous three balls and got boundaries (the last one seemed an edge at the first glance). This one is edged again but goes straight into Parthiv's gloves. No mistake this time by the keeper. Hard to understand why you'd play at that repeatedly. Credit to Shami to be bowling in that channel of uncertainty. India making steady inroads now. South Africa 335, 191/5, lead India (307) by 191 runs

FOUR! Three edges and three boundaries in a row! Streaky yet again! This time there is a second slip in place, Rohit Sharma. De Kock plays at this length ball away from his body yet again. Perhaps opens the face of his bat at the last moment and gets it well past Sharma for a boundary.

FOUR! Oh no! Again edged and the ball goes for a boundary! Parthiv Patel couldn't move in time to catch that. Length ball just outside off, de Kock hangs his bat out that. Gets a thick outside edge that flies past the keeper and to the fence.

EDGED & FOUR! It was too close to Rohit Sharma who was standing at slip! Slash and slash hard! That's what de Kock has done to get off the pair here. Length ball outside off, he goes hard at it and edges it just over the leaping Kohli at wide slip to get a boundary.

DROPPED! KL Rahul puts down Du Plessis (6) at leg slip! Tough one though. These are the ones that stick, actually.

OUT! Shami removes Elgar for 61. Is this the big moment that India need? The change of angle works for Shami. Shami comes round the wicket and bangs it short just outside off. It is angled in as well. Elgar instinctively goes for the hook and fails to account for the fielder placed in the deep. Hits it straight down Rahul's throat at deep backward square leg. He fumbles on the first attempt but manages to cling on and looks relieved to have done that. South Africa 335, 151/4, lead India (307) by 179 runs

FOUR! Nice way to get off the mark. Du Plessis does not seem to be out there to block his way out. South Africa 335 & 150/2, lead India (307) by 178 runs

OUT! Shami removes De Villiers for 80! Shami gets the big fish! A huge wicket for India, the breakthrough they needed. He lands it on a length around off, gets some extra bounce off the surface. De Villiers tries to defend but is surprised by the extra bounce. He tries to pull his bat out of the way but is too lat in doing that. The ball takes the edge and goes to Parthiv who makes no mistake. The 141-run stand comes to an end and India will now look to capitalize.  South Africa 335, 144/3, lead India (307) by 172 runs

FOUR! Shami needs to pull up his socks here! Second boundary of the over! Not a good start by Shami. He bangs it short on middle, too easy for Elgar as he pulls it through square leg for a boundary. South Africa 335 & 141/2, lead India (307) by 169 runs

FOUR! Back of a length delivery from Shami and De Villiers hits it for a boundary to third man. Welcome to the bowling crease Shami! You just can't offer width to this guy he will pounce on it. Shami bowls it short outside off, a loosener. De Villiers guides it through backward point and into the fence.

FOUR! Elgar gets enough bat on it and hits Ashwin for a boundary to long-off. Not in convincing fashion but Elgar won't mind! Ashwin tosses it up on middle, Elgar moves his front leg out of the way, he takes the aerial route but does not connect it well. It still has enough to clear mid off for a boundary. South Africa 335 & 132/2, lead India (307) by 160 runs

FOUR! Fifty for Elgar and he gets there with the most convincing shot he has played till now. It is his 9th in this format. He gets a half-volley outside off, Elgar leans into it and drives it through extra covers for a boundary. South Africa 335 and 127/2, lead India (307) by 155 runs

FOUR! De Villiers hits Ashwin for a boundary to deep square leg. De Villiers goes down on one knee, he sweeps the ball with the spin and into the square leg fence. South Africa 335 & 123/2, lead India (307) by 151 runs

Spin comes into the play! Kohli has thrown the ball to R Ashwin. His spell would be crucial for the visitors here.

FOUR! De Villiers hits Ishant Sharma for a boundary square of the wicket! Excellent placement! Ishant bowls it short and outside off, de Villiers places it through point for a boundary. South Africa 335 & 116/2, lead India (307) by 144 runs

India captain Virat Kohli has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day's play in the second Test against South Africa at Centurion on Monday.

FOUR! Kohli should have stopped that! Bumrah lands it on a length around off, it straightens a touch, Elgar tries to defend but it goes off the outside edge but well short of Kohlli at widish first slip who puts in a half-hearted effort and lets it through for a boundary. South Africa 335 & 112/2, lead India (307) by 140 runs

100-run stand comes up between De Villiers and Dean Elgar. This partnership is threatening to take the game away from the Indians.

De Villiers takes a single off Bumrah to bring up the 100 for South Africa.

A big appeal! Ishant was pleading there. Sharma comes running in and angles it into the batsman. AB de Villiers tries to flick but misses it to get hit on the pads. Ishant makes a loud appeal, an extended one but the umpire shakes his head. The Indians think about a review but then opt against it. Good they did not as replays later on show it was sliding down leg. South Africa 335 & 99/2, lead India (307) by 127 runs

FOUR! What a way to get off the strike for AB de Villiers. He hits Bumrah for a lovely cover drive! Bumrah bowls it fuller on off, AB leans into it and drives it through covers for the first boundary of the day. South Africa 335 & 97/2, lead India (307) by 125 runs

Ishant Sharma gives away just a single. And now Jasprit Bumrah will bowl from the other end.

A new day and we hope to see a less agitated Kohli. As he along with his teammates make their way out to the middle. For South Africa, AB de Villiers and Dean Elgar will continue their innings. A minimum of 98 overs will be bowled today.

Overnight batsmen AB de Villiers and Dean Elgar walk out to bat for South Africa. Ishant Sharma to start the proceedings for India.

For the visitors, wickets is what they need and that too in heaps. A lot will depend on Ashwin, who has got good purchase out of the surface. We might see him do the bulk of the bowling today, like he has done in this game. The Indians would fancy their chances chasing anything under 250 on a wicket which does not have a lot of demons. The first session is a very important and we welcome you for our coverage. Stay tuned...

We head into day 4 of the second Test between South Africa and India in Centurion with the game evenly poised or slightly in the favor of the hosts, you can say. They lead by 118 and one good session for them can see the game tilt towards them completely. They still have 8 wickets in hand and they would now look to stretch the lead to as much as possible. Remember they have their savior, AB de Villiers, at the crease who is unbeaten on a half ton.

Bit of a worrying news coming out of the Indian camp! Wriddhiman Saha ruled out due to injury, India rope in Dinesh Karthik for 3rd Test

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was on Tuesday ruled out of the third and final Test against South Africa due to a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Dinesh Karthik in the squad. Saha, who is not part of the team playing the ongoing second Test here, picked up the injury while training on January 11. (Read Full Story)

Missed Day 3 of the India vs South Africa second Test? Here's a quick recap

Hello and welcome to our Live coverage of the fourth day of the second Test in Centurion. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates.