Highlights, India vs South Africa, 1st Test Day 5 at Visakhapatnam, Full Cricket Score: Shami, Jadeja guide hosts to 203-run win

Rohit Sharma is the Player of the Match for his consecutive centuries (176 and 127) on his debut as Test opener! 

Rohit: I just wanted to go out there and do what I do best. Was a great opportunity for me at the top of the order. At the same time, really thankful to the coach and the captain for considering me for that slot. But ultimately, winning the Test match was more important. Those 40 points matter. That was communicated to me about two years ago. So whenever I was not playing a Test, I was still practicing with a new red ball in the reds. I was ready for it. The management communicated to be way before. Whether it’s red ball or white ball, when you are starting the innings, you’ve got to be a little careful. You got to assess quickly. My job is to play in a certain manner, and I’m going to do it. I took a bit of risk, and that is what my game is all about. A little caution mixed with aggression. That is the mantra that I wanted to follow. (On records broken in this Test, and whether he was aware or not) Not really. There are lot of things in Test matches which I’m not aware of in terms of records. My only focus was to go out there and have fun, and put my team in a good position.

Virat Kohli, India captain: I think the wicket played really good for first three days. We lost a few sessions and it was going to get tougher for us to gain momentum back. We expressed ourselves in second innings. Rohit was outstanding. Mayank was too. Pujara played with the tempo. It was a hard grind with the pitch slowing down. It is all about the attitude. If fast bowlers begin to think spinners would do all the job, it does not do any good. In India too, they are making to look contributions. They are giving 100 percent. 

Jadeja and Ash were really good. Ash was good in first innings. The pitch was flat, he picked up six, It was a great effort. Jadeja in the second innings, making quick breakthroughs. Shami has been consistent now. All the guys stood up in the game. 

If the ball remains hard for at least 60 overs, it is better. It is good for Test cricket. It has improved but we will still want it to be hard for at least 60 overs.

Did you know?

Mohammad Shami became the first pacer to take two five-fors against South Africa in the fourth innings of a Test.

Faf du Plessis, South African captain: Great start. Obviously, India started really well. Two great knocks from Mayank and Rohit. Second innings was tough. In an ideal world, we would’ve bowled them out for 250 to give ourselves a chance. On Day 5, when the pitch starts misbehaving like that, it’s part of cricket. You always sit and think of ‘what-ifs’ and think of the changes. The seamers’ job right through this Test was that of holding. When we get to the second innings, we will try to get those three-four wickets for them (spinners). (On 2nd innings collapse) We were thinking in the change room of the same thing. That’s the nature of the beast of Test cricket. It should be like that. (His 2nd innings dismissal) Nothing you can do about that. Just get ready for the next Test.

Indian pacers with a 5-for in the fourth innings of a Test at home:

Karsan Ghavri v England, Mumbai, 1977

Kapil Dev v England, Mumbai, 1981

Madan Lal v England, Mumbai, 1981

Javagal Srinath v South Africa, Ahmedabad, 1996

Mohammad Shami v South Africa, Vizag, 2019*

That’s it. Fiver from Shami after a lot of waiting around. He really should have bowled after lunch, but never mind. He used the up-down bounce on day five to great effect and South African batsmen were too tame in their footwork to respond. Perhaps caught unaware because they expected spin to be the main weapon. 

Even so, India take a 1-0 lead in the series. Yet, again full points in the WTC so that’s a perfect record so far. Good start on the road to 2021. More importantly, this was a very comprehensive performance in every way possible with even the last debate getting shut for a while now as Rohit Sharma came good as opener. 

South Africa have a lot of head scratching to do but conditions in Pune should be slightly different than here.

Mohammed Shami: Was getting very difficult to bowl on this wicket as it was getting slower. We wanted to attack the stumps. We bowlers support each other. We thought if the ball is bouncing or staying low, it will be advantageous for us. It was important for us to get rid off first five batsmen. That was the plan.

One of the positives for the Proteas from this match

Muthisamy and Piedt have now scored more runs and played more balls in this partnership than all those that preceded them! This is a fine effort

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 6, 2019

Here is India’s first win in this series and home season!

Shami bowls outside the off stump and Rabada goes hard at it, the ball kisses the edge and flies to keeper Saha who takes a safe catch to end this match. Shami gets his five-wicket haul, what an effort this has been from him! Rabada c Saha b Shami 18(19)

India win by 203 runs and go 1-0 up in the series!

Pretty sure the Indians feel the same

hurry up India the NRL kicks off in 20 minutes

— Rick Eyre (@rickeyrecricket.com on Bluesky) (@rickeyrecricket) October 6, 2019

After 63 overs,South Africa 190/9 ( Senuran Muthusamy 48 , Kagiso Rabada 18)

Jadeja continues. Rabada continues frustrate India. Piedt has left and he has taken the baton from him. Not the best display of bowling from Jadeja either. Length has been on shorter side.

FOUR! Short ball from Jadeja and Rabada goes back and punches it four through cover for four runs.

After 62 overs,South Africa 185/9 ( Senuran Muthusamy 47 , Kagiso Rabada 14)

Alright, no first slip means the edge of Muthusamy flies through it as keeper and second slip look at each other. Frustrating to see for Indians. Kohli brings himself at third slip but still no first slip. Ball going past edges. Rabada and Muthusamy live for one more over.

FOUR! The long gap between wide first slip and wicket-keeper is back into relevance as the edge of Muthusamy flies through it for four runs

After 61 overs,South Africa 176/9 ( Senuran Muthusamy 38 , Kagiso Rabada 14)

Jadeja back on, bowling to Rabada. Gets beaten on first two balls and decides to smash everything from thereon, gets 10 runs off two balls for himself in the process.

SIX! KG gets serious this time and hits Jadeja for a massive six over long on. That’s one way to survive against spin.

FOUR! KG smashes the fuller length delivery from Jadeja for four to deep mid-wicket

After 60 overs,South Africa 166/9 ( Senuran Muthusamy 38 , Kagiso Rabada 4)

Shami back on and he has struck. Piedt is back in hunt but only after having put part in the fight that South Africa showed in last two hours or so. Rabada is the last man for visitors and in an unconvincing fashion gets off the mark with a boundary. Shami is on song, we wonder where he was all that while since lunch? Hmmm.

FOUR! Edge off new man Rabada’s bat and it flies for four through vacant fourth slip region for four runs

Why was Shami held back since lunch? Great unknowns of Virat’s captaincy. But this has gone on for too long now. One more wicket to go for full points in a Test for India.

Indian pacers with four bowled dismissals in a Test innings:

Jasprit Bumrah v West Indies, North Sound, 2019
Mohammad Shami v South Africa, Vizag, 2019*

OUT! Wickets not coming? What do you do? You turn to Shami. Shami gets Piedt on the first ball of his new spell, around the off stump line and Piedt’s inside edge disturbs the stumps which were at peace for long. India get their ninth victim. A ‘great’ knock comes to an end. D Piedt b Shami 56(107)

After 59 overs,South Africa 161/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 38 , Dane Piedt 56)

Ashwin changes angle. He is coming across the umpire to bowl. Looking to take it spin it in to Piedt from that angle. But once he got too flow and the batsman drove him for four through covers.

FOUR! Too full from Ashwin and Piedt drives it though for four runs

After 58 overs,South Africa 156/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 38 , Dane Piedt 51)

One more over goes by without a wicket. Muthusamy has used his feet so well so far. Jadeja spun big on one occasion to Piedt and it went to Rahane at first slip who could not hold on to it. For a second, it seemed as if it was a dropped chance.

After 57 overs,South Africa 154/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 37 , Dane Piedt 51)

It’s getting difficult over after over to dismiss either of these two. The partnership has not happened just like that. Very sound technique on this track by both the batsmen. They are not letting the spinners dominate with defensive play and never miss the chance to score the odd boundary.

After 56 overs,South Africa 153/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 36 , Dane Piedt 51)

Fielding needs to be better. Two singles came in the over where the ball should have been stopped easily. One ball flew off Muthusamy’a bat in the air to short cover but there was no one to take the catch.

After 55 overs,South Africa 150/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 34 , Dane Piedt 50)

Ashwin continues. 150 comes up for South Africa. At 70 for 8, this was an unlikely happening. But Piedt and Muthusamy have been really good today. Just 1 off the over.

Piedt, who hasn’t had the best match, has got a fifty here. This is a weird passage of play.

No. 10 batsmen to score a fifty against India in Tests:

H Verity, Kolkata, 1934

A Roberts, Kolkata, 1983

G Robertson, Chennai, 1998

A Mendis, Colombo (PSS), 2010

Dane Piedt, Vizag, 2019*

After 54 overs,South Africa 149/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 33 , Dane Piedt 50)

Jadeja it is from this end. And one more time it has happened. Piedt plays another slog sweep and the bounce on the ball beats him all ends up off Jadeja. Maiden over from Jadeja.

Rohit bowling now. Unless this is for changing ends, it doesn’t make sense. Shami also hasn’t bowled after lunch yet.

Did you know?

The current stand between Piedt and Muthusamy is now the highest stand for South Africa for ninth wicket in Asia in Tests, going past 66 runs stand between JP Duminy and Morne Morkel (v Sri Lanka at Galle in 2014).

After 53 overs,South Africa 149/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 33 , Dane Piedt 50)

Ashwin changes end so it seems Rohit’s over was more of way to change the spinners’ bowling ends. Jadeja should be back from the other end. Let’s see.

After 52 overs,South Africa 149/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 33 , Dane Piedt 50)

Alright, more work for Rohit Sharma as he comes into the attack. Batsmen are more aware and alert against Ashwin and Co, so a part-timer might break that approach with some loose deliveries. That is the thought. This plan has worked before teams, it may work for India. Rohit did produce an inside edge which flow through vacant short leg for a single. Piedt meanwhile has reached his maiden Test fifty. South Africa dressing room rose and applauded. Indians did not enjoy that one.

FIFTY for Dane Piedt, his maiden half-century, and he brings it up in his style, with a boundary to deep cover

After 51 overs,South Africa 146/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 32 , Dane Piedt 48)

Piedt hits a boundary at the start of the over and moves closer to fifty. Arm ball from Jadeja almost hit the off stump on one occasion. Four off the over.

FOUR! Short ball from Jadeja and Piedt smashes it to deep mid-wicket boundary for four runs.

After 50 overs,South Africa 142/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 32 , Dane Piedt 44)

Ashwin continues. What these two ‘bowlers’ are doing here is making Faf confused. They have had ordinary outings in both the innings with the ball but with bat, they have showed great amount of patience and skill. So should Faf drop them because of their bowling performances in next Test or should he include them because of their good batting skills?

With a partnership that’s currently worth 72

Muthu and Piedt just showing to their teammates you can bat on this pitch #IndvSA

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) October 6, 2019

After 49 overs,South Africa 142/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 32 , Dane Piedt 44)

South Africa bowlers reaching batting milestones at Vizag. Jadeja is getting good bounce off the track. There have been times when both the tail-enders have lost patience but luck has saved them. Like the last ball of the over when Piedt tried to smash one but missed it completely and the ball missed the stumps and the edge of his bat.

After 48 overs,South Africa 138/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 32 , Dane Piedt 40)

Right then, Ashwin from the other end. Muthusamy cuts him for four to frustrate India more. But he was not done yet, he hit one more on the last ball to add to India’s woes.

FOUR! And one more, fuller from Ashwin and Muthusamy this time beautifully leans into the shot and drives through the cover for four

FOUR! Wow, another boundary, short stuff from Ashwin and Muthusamy rocks back and cuts it for four runs

After 47 overs,South Africa 130/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 24 , Dane Piedt 40)

Piedt is taking on Jadeja here. Inside out shot for four must have hurt Jadeja’s ego. Catching chance at silly point but was a tough take really. Jadeja too kicks the ground, his frustration and dust comes out.

FOUR! Piedt goes inside out and hits it to deep extra cover region for another boundary.

After 46 overs,South Africa 125/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 23 , Dane Piedt 36)

Frustration growing on India now. Ishant threw one back at the batsman unnecessarily in frustration and then put on a wry smile. Piedt hit him for a boundary two balls later. The last ball of the over passed the edge, squaring up Piedt. That phase of the game for India. Wickets are suddenly hard to come by.

FOUR! Alright one more boundary for Piedt, he guides this outside the off stump line delivery for four to third man.

After 45 overs,South Africa 121/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 23 , Dane Piedt 32)

Muthusamy hits four to bring up the fifty-run stand between him and Piedt for the ninth wicket. Jadeja bowling the right line, attacking the stumps. If the batsmen misses it, it will be all over for him.

FOUR! This is good batting, very assured sweep off Jadeja, that goes for a boundary to long leg

After 44 overs,South Africa 117/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 19 , Dane Piedt 32)

Ishant bowls from the other end. Piedt is rock solid in defence. The stonewalling continues from the two tail-enders. Ishant is aiming at the top of off stump, need to be more consistent in this quest. The last ball kept low again, did not damage though.

After 43 overs,South Africa 117/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 19 , Dane Piedt 32)

Jadeja continues after the lunch break. Muthusamy plays all the ball defensively. Indian close in fielders are chirpy after lunch. India want to wrap things as soon as possible and enjoy an early finish.

We are back from Lunch! Piedt and Muthusamy resume the right, India the hunt for the remaining two wickets. Jadeja bowls the first over in second session.

After 42 overs,South Africa 117/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 19 , Dane Piedt 32)

Just two off the over as Piedt and Muthusamy survive the extended session, with South Africa heading to lunch at 117/8.

Has been a fighting partnership between these two, worth 47 at the interval to give the Proteas something to smile about on a forgettable day that saw them collapse to 70/8 at one point. Now to see how far the current pair takes them before the Indian victory, which looks inevitable at this point.

After 41 overs,South Africa 115/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 18 , Dane Piedt 31)

The Indians react like they missed a chance off the second delivery after a defensive block by Piedt results in the ball bouncing off the surface to Mayank at silly point. The close-in fielders perhaps thought it deflected off the batsman’s boot instead of the ground. In any case, Mayank had fumbled with the ball on that occasion and dropped it. Three off the over, including a brace to Muthusamy off the fourth delivery.

Well….

south africa's spinners justifying their inclusion in the XI #INDvSA

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 6, 2019

After 40 overs,South Africa 112/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 16 , Dane Piedt 30)

Ishant in place of Shami now. Muthusamy sets off for a single off the third delivery, coming off an overthrow thanks to a direct hit from midwicket at the non-strikers end. Single to Piedt off the penultimate delivery. Two off the over.

After 39 overs,South Africa 110/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 15 , Dane Piedt 29)

Muthusamy runs the ball down to long on for a single off the second delivery. Piedt charges down the track four deliveries later, once again lofting the ball over the bowler’s head. Has been happening far too many time now off Jadeja’s bowling. Maybe Kohli might want to get some protection down the ground to force a change of strategy for Piedt.

Advice for Ashwin!

Ashwin’s loading before delivery seems a little closer to the right ear (i.e visibly straiter and upright) in this series, should add more body and life in to his deliveries #INDvSA

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) October 6, 2019

FOUR! Piedt continues to attack Jadeja, once again stepping out of his crease and lofting the ball over the bowler’s head. SA 110/8

Well the umpires are in a hurry too. Play extended by 15 minutes or minimum 4 overs.

After 38 overs,South Africa 105/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 14 , Dane Piedt 25)

Muthusamy collects a single off the first delivery of the over, with Piedt remaining defensive in the remaining deliveries of the over. Kohli’s request for a 15-minute extension of the session has been accepted by the umpires, so Piedt and Muthusamy will have to block the ball around a bit more before grabbing a bit and having a discussion in the changing room.

Bit of stasis in play now. Muthusamy digging deep like he did in the first innings and India don’t seem in any hurry. Another wicket though will extend this session. Matter of time. Some bit of surprise still at the collapse especially after South Africa seemed to have turned a corner in the first innings. ​

After 37 overs,South Africa 104/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 13 , Dane Piedt 25)

Expensive over for Jadeja, with nine runs coming off it, including two boundaries to Piedt, both being hit down the ground.

FOUR! Another boundary to Piedt, this time the batsman charging down the track and hitting towards the vacant long on region, where the ball bounces a couple of times SA 104/8

FOUR! Piedt charges down the track and launches the ball over the umpire’s head for another boundary, helping bring up the century for the Proteas. SA 100/8

After 36 overs,South Africa 95/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 12 , Dane Piedt 17)

‘Second innings Shami’ brought back in place of Ashwin with another 10 minutes left to lunch. Bye added to South Africa’s total off the fourth delivery. Appeal for lbw against Piedt off the last delivery, turned down by umpire Illingworth.

Most sixes in a Test match:

36 – India v South Africa, Vizag, 2019*
35 – New Zealand v Pakistan, Sharjah, 2014
27 – Pakistan v India, Faisalabad, 2006
27 – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Chattogram, 2013

After 35 overs,South Africa 94/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 12 , Dane Piedt 17)

Piedt decides to attack Jadeja, lofting the ball over mid off off the first delivery to collect his second four, before slog-sweeping the ball over the midwicket fence for a maximum off the next ball. Both batsmen in double-figures right now.

SIX! Well where did that come from? Slog sweep from Piedt, and this one clears the midwicket fence quite comfortably! “Acha hai” goes Saha to encourage Jadeja. SA 94/8

FOUR! Lofted over mid off by Piedt, who collects his second boundary in the process! SA 88/8

After 34 overs,South Africa 84/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 12 , Dane Piedt 7)

Three close-in fielders for Muthusamy — two silly points and a slip. The fielders stick to their positions even when the right-handed Piedt is on strike. Two singles off the over.

After 33 overs,South Africa 82/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 11 , Dane Piedt 6)

Muthusamy, batting in double figures at the moment, collects a single off the first delivery of the over, with Piedt blocking out the remaining deliveries.

After 32 overs,South Africa 81/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 10 , Dane Piedt 6)

Muthusamy works the ball through the off side for a single off the second delivery, the only run conceded by Ashwin in this over. For now, the two lower-order batsmen will hope to head to lunch without losing another wicket in what will be a mini-victory for them.

After 31 overs,South Africa 80/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 9 , Dane Piedt 6)

Four off the over, with Piedt collecting his first boundary with an aerial drive over cover point off the penultimate delivery of the over.

FOUR! Piedt collects a boundary for himself, lofting the ball over cover point, the ball running away to the fence unhindered. SA 80/8

After 30 overs,South Africa 76/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 9 , Dane Piedt 2)

Piedt looks to the ball towards the leg side off the second delivery, but only gets a faint inside edge that deflects off his body. Single to Piedt off the penultimate delivery. Just one off the over.

After 29 overs,South Africa 75/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 9 , Dane Piedt 1)

Muthusamy drives through cover off the second delivery, getting enough time to come back for a second run. Big appeal for lbw against Muthusamy off the third delivery, the Indians deciding against the review after the umpire turns it down.

After 28 overs,South Africa 73/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 7 , Dane Piedt 1)

Ashwin brought in place of Shami as the hosts look to end this quickly with spin from both ends. The two lower-order batsmen knock the ball around for singles, three runs coming off this over.

After 27 overs,South Africa 70/8 ( Senuran Muthusamy 5 , Dane Piedt 0)

Jadeja bowls the over that seals the game’s fate earlier than expected.

The left-arm spinner collects a fine return catch off his own bowling off the first delivery as the Proteas are dealt their biggest blow yet in the form of Markram’s dismissal for 39. Jadeja adds to his wickets column three balls later, this time trapping Philander leg-before for a three-ball duck — resulting in a pair for the senior pacer in this Test — although the Indians have to overturn the umpire’s original decision of not out. The very next ball he successfully appeals for lbw against Maharaj, umpire Gaffaney raising his finger right away this time. Maharaj reviews, but gets an ‘umpire’s call’. Piedt manages to fend the last delivery.

Left-arm spinners with 150-plus Test wickets at home:

Rangana Herath

Daniel Vettori

Ravindra Jadeja*

Two highlights in one over for Jadeja… a one handed catch and then getting another review right. That’s two right DRS calls for him in this Test, sort of a record I think. But what a fielder. That catch, he made it look so easy. 

And just as I type this, triple wicket over. Markram, Philander, Maharaj… all gone. To say South Africa are falling like a pack of cards would be an understatement.

OUT! Jadeja;s on a hat-trick, this time the umpire raising his finger right away after the left-arm spinner appeals for an lbw against new batsman Maharaj. The batsman reviews it right away, but gets an ‘umpire’s call’ during the review. India just two wickets away from recording a massive victory now. SA 70/8

Maharaj lbw Jadeja 0(1)

OUT! Philander bags a pair! Second wicket of the over for Jadeja, who gets the ball to turn back sharply to trap Philander leg-before for a three-ball duck. Except the umpire initially turned the appeal down, leading to the Indians successfully overturning it. SA 70/7

Philander lbw Jadeja 0(3)

Superman Jaddu!

if jadeja had his cape on could have just continued flying #INDvSA

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 6, 2019

OUT! Jadeja removes the last big threat for the hosts, collecting a fine return catch off his own bowling to send Markram back to the dressing room for 39. The left-arm spinner gave this a bit more air and induced the batsman forward into a drive, but Markram could only toe-end this one back to the bowler. SA 70/6

Markram c and b Jadeja 39(74)

After 26 overs,South Africa 70/5 ( Aiden Markram 39 , Senuran Muthusamy 5)

Muthusamy collects his first boundary off the fourth delivery, playing with soft hands and guiding the ball through the vacant gully region. Four off the over.

Agarkar approves! 

Rare & Special ability to bowl wicket taking balls consistently #shami #

— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) October 6, 2019

FOUR! Muthusamy plays this with soft hands and redirects the ball through the vacant gully region to collect his first boundary. SA 70/5

Second innings Shami… they need a song for him. Using the up-down movement off the deck, he has South Africa in all sorts of trouble. Two deliveries seaming in, one to the right hander and one to the left hander and both steady batsmen gone. Not sure it was the best delivery to leave for Faf on this pitch and de Kock… well, seems like too much is being made of the pitch. Yes it is day five, but some shots have been a bit poor in terms of selection. 

More importantly, India five away. This has been a dream session.

After 25 overs,South Africa 66/5 ( Aiden Markram 39 , Senuran Muthusamy 1)

Markram cuts the ball behind square off the first delivery to collect his fifth boundary, and sets off for a single three balls later. Muthusamy taps the ball through mid on for a single off the penultimate delivery. Dot to end the over.

FOUR! Markram continues to bat beautifully, rocking back and cutting the ball behind square. SA 64/5

After 24 overs,South Africa 60/5 ( Aiden Markram 34 , Senuran Muthusamy 0)

De Kock flops in this innings as Elgar did yesterday, getting his defence beaten with another of those low deliveries, this one angling back in sharply and rattling the off stump. Muthusamy walks in to bat now. Wicket maiden for Shami.

Mohammad Shami’s wickets in Tests at the moment: (Till QDK’s wicket)

1st innings : 78 (Avg – 34.47, SR – 60.6)

2nd innings : 78 (Avg – 22.92, SR – 41.9)

BOWLED EM! A third wicket for Shami now, this time beating de Kock’s defence with an inswinger that rattles the off stump. South Africa have now lost half their side with 60 on board — 34 of those coming off Markram’s bat. SA 60/5

De Kock b Shami 0(2)

After 23 overs,South Africa 60/4 ( Aiden Markram 34 , Quinton de Kock (W) 0)

Markram meanwhile, collects back-to-back boundaries against the run-of-play off Jadeja’s bowling to move into the 30s. Eight off the over.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Markram off Jadeja’s bowling, this time taking a couple of steps forward and smacking this towards the midwicket fence. SA 60/4

FOUR! Launched over mid on by Markram off Jadeja, the ball landing just short of the boundary rope! SA 56/4

After 22 overs,South Africa 52/4 ( Aiden Markram 26 , Quinton de Kock (W) 0)

Change from both ends. Now Shami takes Ishant’s place. Du Plessis punches the ball through extra cover off the fourth delivery with solid timing, but is back to the pavilion next ball, getting his off stump knocked over while shouldering his arms to a delivery that angles back in sharply. Lbw appeal against new batsman de Kock off the last delivery of the over, the ball appearing to be missing leg on this occasion.

Three bowled dismissals so far today!

latest episode of bowled and the beautiful playing this morning in vizag #INDvSA

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 6, 2019

BOWLED EM! Shami strikes again, this time with a delivery that angles back in sharply! The SA skipper thinks of leaving it alone, and ends up hearing the death rattle of leather meeting timber, which sends the off stump cartwheeling. Drinks taken after the dismissal. SA 52/4

Du Plessis b Shami 13(26)

FOUR! Well-timed punch past the man at mid off by du Plessis, the boundary bringing up the fifty for the Proteas. SA 52/3

After 21 overs,South Africa 48/3 ( Aiden Markram 26 , Faf du Plessis (C) 9)

Ashwin given a breather now after bowling for more than an hour, with Jadeja taking his place at the moment. The left-arm spinner starts the day with a maiden.

After 20 overs,South Africa 48/3 ( Aiden Markram 26 , Faf du Plessis (C) 9)

Five off the over, including a boundary to Markram off the third delivery, edging another one of those low deliveries that sends the ball running between the slip fielders to collect another boundary for himself.

FOUR! Outside edge off Markram’s bat after the ball stays a touch low outside off, the ball running between slip and gully before racing away to the fence. SA 47/3

After 19 overs,South Africa 43/3 ( Aiden Markram 21 , Faf du Plessis (C) 9)

After a few deliveries that stay low, the first delivery of this over rears up higher than what the batsman initially expected, though Markram fends this safely. The opener collects a boundary off the fourth delivery, driving the ball through cover, before collecting a single off the last delivery to keep the strike. Five off the over.

FOUR! Driven through the cover region by Markram off Ashwin! Well-picked by the opening batsman. SA 42/3

After 18 overs,South Africa 38/3 ( Aiden Markram 16 , Faf du Plessis (C) 9)

Dot off each of the first three deliveries, with Markram collecting a single off the fourth delivery by tapping the ball through the midwicket region. Du Plessis flicks the ball through square leg for a boundary off the last delivery of the over.

FOUR! A straight one from Ishant, and du Plessis flicks this towards the square-leg fence for a four. SA 38/3

Markram showing more semblance of a gameplan in this second innings. That release shot off Ashwin for six was a leaf from Elgar’s book in the first. South Africa need at least two major partnerships to have any shot of saving this game or even taking it deep. And they have three batsmen to do it, which is the worrying bit.

After 17 overs,South Africa 33/3 ( Aiden Markram 15 , Faf du Plessis (C) 5)

Markram runs the ball down the ground off the second delivery for a single. Tight field around the batsman for Ashwin, with now a leg slip coming in place along with slip and the two bat-pads. Du Plessis brings out the sweep off the fourth delivery, collecting only a single but executing perfectly a shot that could help the Proteas counter India’s spin twins. Three off the over.

After 16 overs,South Africa 30/3 ( Aiden Markram 13 , Faf du Plessis (C) 4)

Ishant now in place of Shami. The ball stays low after pitching at full length outside off, du Plessis leaving this one alone. Ishant starts off with a maiden.

After 15 overs,South Africa 30/3 ( Aiden Markram 13 , Faf du Plessis (C) 4)

Markram skips down the track and launches the ball high over long on for a maximum off the first delivery. The batsman then gloves the next ball, the ball lobbing over and falling wide of the short leg fielder. Six off the over.

SIX! Markram skips down the track and lofts the ball over long on off Ashwin. Well now that would’ve taken the bowler by surprise! SA 30/3

After 14 overs,South Africa 24/3 ( Aiden Markram 7 , Faf du Plessis (C) 4)

Another one from Shami stays low and beats the batsman’s defence, this time off the fourth delivery that, thankfully for Du Plessis, is outside off stump. Faf gets off the mark with a boundary off the penultimate delivery, glancing the ball towards the fine leg fence.

FOUR! Glanced towards the fine leg fence by du Plessis off Shami’s bowling. The South African captain gets off the mark. SA 24/3

From one off spin legend to another!

Congratulations @ashwinravi99 for getting fastest 350 test wickets.. wish u many more 🏏

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 6, 2019

After 13 overs,South Africa 20/3 ( Aiden Markram 7 , Faf du Plessis (C) 0)

Markram faces Ashwin with a slip, short leg and a silly point in place. Maiden over for the off spinner.

That looks like a good plan!

Ishant, Shami and Ashwin all wearing a sleeve on their arm, largely to to prevent the sweat tricking down the arm. India keen to get this ball to reverse swing. #INDvSA

— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) October 6, 2019

After 12 overs,South Africa 20/3 ( Aiden Markram 7 , Faf du Plessis (C) 0)

Markram guides the ball through point off the second delivery to collect a single. Bavuma departs off the next ball, which stays low and beats the batsman’s defence to make a mess of the furniture. India on top early in the morning session of the final day. Meanwhile, du Plessis walks out to bat. Just one off the over along the wicket.

Keeps low and bowled him. Dream start this for India… two wickets in two overs. For a short batsman, Bavuma really can’t get down quickly enough. Has been playing for high bounce throughout.. even in the first innings. Lack of adaptation and experience.

BOWLED EM! Now Bavuma’s gone, the ball staying a touch low and beating Bavuma’s defence, the batsman losing his balance and getting floored in the process. He departs for a two-ball duck. South Africa falling apart early on the final day. SA 20/3

Bavuma b Shami 0(2)

After 11 overs,South Africa 19/2 ( Aiden Markram 6 , Temba Bavuma 0)

Spin from the other end, with Ashwin bowling the next over. Close shave for Markram in the second delivery, getting an edge that deflects off Saha’s pad and falls out of slip fielder Rahane’s reach. De Bruyn however, doesn’t quite have the same luck as Markram, chopping the ball onto his middle stump off the penultimate delivery to depart for 10, bringing Bavuma to the crease. Ashwin, meanwhile, completes 350 Test wickets.

Ashwin nails the 350 mark. In record time with Muralitharan. Up there as the all time greats and armchair critics can never deny it. South Africa in trouble… not the shot you want to see from Theunis de Bruyn on a day like this.

Fastest to 350 Test wickets: (No. of matches)

66 – Muttiah Muralitharan
66 – Ravichandran Ashwin*
69 – Richard Hadlee
69 – Dale Steyn
70 – Dennis Lillee

BOWLED EM! De Bruyn chops the ball onto his stumps to knock the middle pole over as Ravichandran Ashwin collects his 350th Test wicket in the process! SA 19/2

De Bruyn b Ashwin 10(25)

After 10 overs,South Africa 18/1 ( Aiden Markram 5 , Theunis de Bruyn 10)

Seven off the first over of the day, bowled by Shami, including a boundary to De Bruyn off the third delivery.

Massive day five ahead of us. Result, bragging rights, ego boost and World Test championship points on offer. Can South Africa hold out and defy India like the first innings? Can India make the slow turning day five pitch work?

FOUR! De Bruyn opens the face of his bat and guides it between slip and gully. SA 16/1

Markram and De Bruyn back at the crease, with Kohli tossing the ball over to Shami at the start of the final day’s play. Tough battle ahead for the Proteas batsmen.

Big day for both the teams

Bring on Day 5 🙌🙌💪#TeamIndia #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/eJQs5EUMBC

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2019

There is no gainsaying the fact that class has no substitute. However, there always comes a time when players of class need to be bid a formal goodbye, because they can’t occupy space in the team at the cost of another player who is in form. Read more from Austin Coutinho here .

South Africa’s most experienced pacer Vernon Philander said on Saturday that his team is still “within a shot” of winning the first Test against India and backed his batsmen to emulate their first innings effort on day five.

Read more here .

On a scratchy pitch, it was just sheer class and domination by India’s No 3, much like the phase in the 2012 Hyderabad Test against New Zealand, when Pujara went from 60 to 100 in 34 balls or the 2017 Bangladesh Test on the same venue when India were pushing for a declaration, he went after the bowling from ball one and ended up with an unbeaten 54 off 58 with a hooked six of Taskin Ahmed.

Read more from Sandipan Banerjee here .

Rohit Sharma became the first player to score seven consecutive fifty-plus scores in India in Tests, going past Everton Weeks, Rahul Dravid and Andy Flower.

Read more stats from Day 4 here .

Rohit Sharma created history after he slammed his second consecutive century in his first Test match as opener for India. Read reactions from cricketing world on Rohit’s twin centuries.

Rohit Sharma smashed another hundred and a plethora of records as India set an improbable 395-run target for South Africa in first Test which is headed for an exciting final day. Read the full report here .

A very warm welcome to one and all for Day five of the first Test match between India and South Africa at Visakhapatnam. It was a run-fest on Saturday, with a total of 380 runs being scored, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s century and Cheteshwar Pujara’s knock of 81. That guided them to 323-4 when they declared, setting up the Proteas a target of 395. 

They have already lost Dean Elgar. Can Aiden Markram and Theunis de Bruyn give some hope for the visitors?