India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test at Centurion, Day 4, Full Cricket Score: Proteas 94/4 at stumps, need 211 to win on final day

Surely the ‘Golden Age of Indian Fast-Bowling’

Stating the absolute obvious here but this is one impressive Indian bowling lineup. There's a reason they beat England and Australia on their own patch. Every one of them is class. Bumrah is on another level. Best in the world? #SAvIND #BoxingDayTest

— Daniel Gallan (@danielgallan) December 29, 2021

After 40.5 overs,South Africa 94/4 ( Dean Elgar (C) 52 , )

STUMPS on Day 4. Jasprit Bumrah bowls the last over of the day. Maharaj collects a brace off the second, produces a lovely punch through the covers for a boundary off the third, but is dismissed by an inch-perfect yorker from Bumrah that brings the day’s play to an end. Advantage India at the close of play on the fourth day, and it will take an incredible effort from the Proteas to stave off defeat on the final day.

BOWLED! That’s STUMPS on Day 4, as Bumrah gets rid of Maharaj with an inch-perferct yorker as South Africa end the day on 94/4, with Dean Elgar unbeaten on 52. Maharaj had been batting well, but few batters in the world would have an answer to a delivery as good as that one.

Maharaj b Bumrah 8(19)

What a knock this has been! Faf would be proud

A truly gritty half-century from the #Proteas captain👊 #SAvIND #FreedomTestSeries #BetwayTestSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/oFq4egcROf

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 29, 2021

After 40 overs,South Africa 88/3 ( Dean Elgar (C) 52 , Keshav Maharaj 2)

Eight off the over, with Dean Elgar bringing up his 18th Test half-century with a boundary off Mohammed Siraj, taking 121 deliveries to get to the milestone. Collects a single next ball. Maharaj collects a brace off the fifth, before retaining the strike for the final over of the day, going for a run after being struck on the pad that is met with an unsuccessful LBW appeal. Eight from the over.

FOUR! Dean Elgar brings up his 18th Test half-century in style, guiding the ball through square leg off Siraj for a boundary. Has been a gutsy knock from the South African skipper so far, who has stood tall despite testing spells from the Indian bowlers. SA 84/3

After 39 overs,South Africa 80/3 ( Dean Elgar (C) 47 , Keshav Maharaj 0)

Maharaj is on strike in this over, facing Bumrah who’s bowling with a good rhythm at the moment. The ball slips out of Bumrah’s hand in the fourth ball, with umpire Holdstock signalling a no-ball. The pace spearhead switches to round the wicket to Maharaj for the last two balls with a leg gully and an FSL in place. Just one from the over.

After 38 overs,South Africa 79/3 ( Dean Elgar (C) 47 , Keshav Maharaj 0)

Siraj is late in releasing the ball in the second delivery of the over, the result of which is a slower bouncer that Elgar easily punches in front of square for a boundary. Four from the over. A little over 10 minutes to go for stumps.

After 37 overs,South Africa 74/3 ( Dean Elgar (C) 43 , Keshav Maharaj 0)

Bumrah replaces Ashwin, India hoping to break the resilient third-wicket stand that will be frustrating them by now. And deliver the breakthrough he does, and how? Van der Dussen has no answer to a delivery that angles in sharply from outside off, a delivery that he thought was safe to leave and would’ve never imagined it would go on to hit the top of off. Keshav Maharaj has been sent in as the nightwatchman.

OUT! Bumrah gets the breakthrough with a jaffa! What a delivery from the Indian pace spearhead, angling in by a country mile and hitting the top of off as van der Dussen perishes while looking to leave this. SA 74/3

Van der Dussen b Bumrah 11(65)

After 36 overs,South Africa 74/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 43 , Rassie van der Dussen 11)

Siraj bowls a sharp bouncer to Elgar in the third delivery, the ball rearing up and going quite close past the outside edge. Appeal for LBW next ball, turned down by the umpire, likely pitching outside leg. Another 15 overs left in the day’s play. India might just bowl them out if Ashwin continues to operate from one end.

After 35 overs,South Africa 74/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 43 , Rassie van der Dussen 11)

Van der Dussen and Elgar collect a single each at the start of the over as the current partnership stretches to 40.

After 34 overs,South Africa 72/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 42 , Rassie van der Dussen 10)

Siraj collects his third maiden, as Elgar blocks his way through this over.

After 33 overs,South Africa 72/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 42 , Rassie van der Dussen 10)

Elgar tucks the ball through square leg off the second delivery, the first run off the bat in a while. RvdD runs the ball down the ground for a single next ball to move to double figures. Leg gully and a catching mid on in place for van der Dussen later in the over. Three from the over.

After 32 overs,South Africa 69/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 40 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Siraj replaces Thakur, who hasn’t quite found his rhythm in this game. Van der Dussen nicks the ball towards the slips, the second time it has happened in his innings so far, but lands short of the cordon as he had played this with soft hands. Back-to-back maidens for the Indians.

After 31 overs,South Africa 69/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 40 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Ashwin bowls with a second slip in place now. His second over goes for a maiden as Elgar blocks his way through the over.

After 30 overs,South Africa 69/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 40 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Elgar sets off for a single off the third delivery, which is also a no ball as Thakur once again is guilty of overstepping. He’s second on the no-ball count in this match, behind Rabada.

After 29 overs,South Africa 67/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 39 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Spin introduced for the first time today as Ravichandran Ashwin starts off with a lone slip in place, Rahane occupying that position. Elgar keeps the strike with a single off the last delivery, working the ball through midwicket.

After 28 overs,South Africa 66/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 38 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Thakur from round the wicket to Elgar. Fine stop by Ash at mid off after the Proteas skipper goes for a straight drive. RvdD edges the ball towards the slips off the fifth delivery, the ball landing short of Kohli. One from the over.

After 27 overs,South Africa 65/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 37 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Elgar’s batting confidently at the moment, dispatching a half-volley through midwicket off the third delivery. Single to the SA captain two balls later. Five from the over. Partnership worth 31 at the moment.

After 26 overs,South Africa 60/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 32 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Thakur continues after the drinks interval. The third ball of the over stays a touch low and takes Elgar by surprise, the SA captain bringing his bat down in the nick of time and saving himself from getting trapped plumb leg-before. Elgar sets off for a single in the fourth delivery. Dot off each of the last two balls.

After 25 overs,South Africa 59/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 31 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Shami bowls out maiden, his second of the innings so far, as the umpire calls for drinks at the end of this over. “Ash kidder se dalega tu?” inquires Kohli at the end of the over. Looks like we have spin on the other side of the break. The Proteas, meanwhile, have been solid so far in the evening session, with the current partnership worth 25.

After 24 overs,South Africa 59/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 31 , Rassie van der Dussen 9)

Elgar and van der Dussen collect a single each before the former drives the ball through extra cover off the penultimate delivery to collect his fourth boundary, moving into the 30s in the process.

After 23 overs,South Africa 53/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 26 , Rassie van der Dussen 8)

Change from both ends as Shami replaces Siraj from the Pavilion End. Elgar works the ball through square leg for a single off the third delivery, the only run added to the Proteas’ score in this over.

After 22 overs,South Africa 52/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 25 , Rassie van der Dussen 8)

Shardul Thakur introduced for the first time in this innings, replacing Bumrah. Oversteps in the second delivery, resulting in the 35th no ball of the ongoing match. One from the over.

After 21 overs,South Africa 51/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 25 , Rassie van der Dussen 8)

Tidy over from Siraj as he collects his first maiden in six overs. Both batters, meanwhile, are batting cautiously at the moment and are blocking/leaving most deliveries.

After 20 overs,South Africa 51/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 25 , Rassie van der Dussen 8)

FOUR! Tickled away towards the fine leg fence by van der Dussen off Bumrah off the first delivery, followed by five dots in a row. South Africa past the 50-mark now.

After 19 overs,South Africa 47/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 25 , Rassie van der Dussen 4)

Tidy over from Siraj, with three singles coming from it. Elgar, meanwhile, is batting on 25.

After 18 overs,South Africa 44/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 24 , Rassie van der Dussen 2)

Just one off Bumrah’s eighth over, with RvdD setting off for a single off the fifth ball. Boom ends the over with a steep bouncer to Elgar.

After 17 overs,South Africa 43/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 24 , Rassie van der Dussen 1)

Siraj from round the wicket to Elgar. The SA captain works the ball through midwicket for a brace at the start of the over, before gloving the ball over the keeper off a well-aimed short ball, which then runs away for a boundary towards long stop. Siraj bowls a couple of short ones before inviting a drive by bowling fuller outside off. Six from the over.

After 16 overs,South Africa 37/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 18 , Rassie van der Dussen 1)

Bumrah starts off with a sharp bouncer to Elgar, who has to duck and pull this last minute towards square leg. Tucks the ball through square leg for a single two balls later. Appeal for an LBW against RvdD turned down two balls later. One from the over.

After 15 overs,South Africa 36/2 ( Dean Elgar (C) 17 , Rassie van der Dussen 1)

Siraj breaks the partnership as Petersen ends up nicking the ball to Pant to depart for 17. Siraj nearly gets two-in-two as Rassie van der Dussen pulls a short ball towards fine leg, where the ball lands just short of the fielder, allowing the South African No 4 to get off the mark with a single. Elgar collects a single three balls later. Two runs and a wicket from the over.

OUT! Mohammed Siraj strikes after tea, and out come Ronaldo’s trademark celebrations! Petersen is tempted into driving a full delivery down the ground, the ball shaping away from the batter late and kissing the outside edge. Just when the partnership was starting to look dangerous for the visitors, it has been broken. Fine effort by Pant too, diving to his right and pulling off a fine catch. SA 34/2

Petersen c Pant b Siraj 17(36)

After 14 overs,South Africa 34/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 16 , Keegan Petersen 17)

Change of ends for Boom as he replaces Shami from the Hennops River End, bowling to Elgar from round the wicket and collecting a maiden.

After 13 overs,South Africa 34/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 16 , Keegan Petersen 17)

Siraj continues with three slip and a gully in place. Elgar clips the ball through square leg off the penultimate delivery, collecting an easy single on offer. Big appeal for LBW against Petersen in the last ball, with Siraj convincing Kohli to take this upstairs after umpire Holdstock turns it down. Wickets is ‘Umpire’s Call’, as the visitors retain their review.

After 12 overs,South Africa 33/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 15 , Keegan Petersen 17)

FOUR! Petersen’s looked impressive so far in his stay at the crease. Gets a short, wide one from Shami and promptly punches it through point. Four from the over.

After 11 overs,South Africa 29/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 15 , Keegan Petersen 13)

Mohammed Siraj introduced after the tea break, replacing Bumrah from the Pavilion End. Elgar sets off for a single off the second delivery after pushing the ball towards extra cover. Rahane, meanwhile is positioned at silly mid off with Petersen on strike, in addition to three slips. Petersen collects a single off the penultimate delivery. Two from the over.

After 10 overs,South Africa 27/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 14 , Keegan Petersen 12)

FOUR! Elgar off to a confident start after tea, pushing the ball down the ground off the second delivery to collect his second boundary, before collecting a single off the last ball to keep the strike. Five from the over.

Mohammed Shami to continue after the tea break, with Elgar on strike. Elgar and Petersen will hope to build a solid partnership from here

An area of concern for the Proteas

In his short career as SA's Number 3 Keegan Petersen has come in with the totals on 0, 1, 4, 2 and 1. He has yet to come in with the ball more than nine deliveries old. Tough challenge! #SAvsIND

— Colin Bryden (@colinbryden1) December 29, 2021

After 9 overs,South Africa 22/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 9 , Keegan Petersen 12)

TEA ON DAY 4. Bumrah bowls out the final over of the extended session, with one coming off it as Elgar collects a single off the second ball, as South Africa head to the interval on 22/1, needing another 283 to win. Steady partnership starting to build between Petersen and Elgar, worth 21 at the moment. See you on the other side of the 20-minute break.

After 8 overs,South Africa 21/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 8 , Keegan Petersen 12)

Shami switches to round the wicket to Elgar in this over. Single off the fifth, before Petersen clips the ball behind square leg for a brace off the last ball. Three from the over. Should be one more over before tea.

After 7 overs,South Africa 18/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 7 , Keegan Petersen 10)

Tidy over from Bumrah, collecting the second maiden of the innings so far. Just a few more minutes to tea.

After 6 overs,South Africa 18/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 7 , Keegan Petersen 10)

Petersen and Elgar collect a single each, before the former collects his second boundary off Shami’s bowling, driving through mid off. KP retains the strike with a single off the last ball.

After 5 overs,South Africa 11/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 6 , Keegan Petersen 4)

And now Elgar helps himself to a boundary, clipping through the midwicket region off the second ball of this over. The SA captain gets a few testing short balls later in the over, which he chooses to leave. Four from the over.

After 4 overs,South Africa 7/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 2 , Keegan Petersen 4)

FOUR! Confidently off the mark, is Keegan Petersen as he punches a full delivery from Shami through midwicket at the start of Shami’s second over. The uneven bounce is also troubling the SA batters a little, after resulting in several dismissals in the Indian innings. Four from the over.

After 3 overs,South Africa 3/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 2 , Keegan Petersen 0)

Bumrah bowls from over the wicket to Elgar, the challenging angle keeping Elgar on the backfoot. The SA skipper gets off the mark with a brace off the penultimate delivery. Two from the over.

After 2 overs,South Africa 1/1 ( Dean Elgar (C) 0 , Keegan Petersen 0)

Mohammed Shami from the Hennops River End, and he starts off with a wicket maiden as the Proteas lose a wicket inside two overs, Markram chopping one onto the stumps in the third delivery. Advantage India at the moment.

BOWLED! Shami draws first blood, as India get off to a confident start! Markram doesn’t last two overs, going for a last minute leave and getting an inside edge onto the stumps, and is left deeply disappointed with himself after hearing the death rattle. SA 1/1

Markram b Shami 1

After 1 over,South Africa 1/0 ( Aiden Markram 1 , Dean Elgar (C) 0)

Markram gets the Proteas off the mark with a single off the fourth delivery. Tidy start from Bumrah with one off his first over.

Right then, Jasprit Bumrah starts off with the new ball in hand from the Pavilion End as Dean Elgar and AIden Markram walk out to open South Africa’s chase, the latter on strike for the first delivery. India will back their pace unit to take all 10 wickets in the next three and a half hours. For the Proteas, a big opening stand will be crucial in their quest to save the game, or possibly aim for a victory.

After 50.3 overs,India 174/10 ( Jasprit Bumrah 7 , )

Bumrah stretches the lead past 300 with a boundary off the first delivery, and collects a single off the second, before Jansen brings the innings to an end by castling Siraj for a duck. India have been bowled out for 174, leaving South Africa 305 to win the first Test.

OUT! Mohammed Siraj is the last man to fall, getting his stumps shattered as Marco Jansen finishes with 4/55. India are bowled out for 174, and have set South Africa 305 to win with a day and a half left in this Test!

Siraj b Jansen 0(5)

After 50 overs,India 169/9 ( Jasprit Bumrah 2 , Mohammed Siraj 0)

It’s a wicket maiden for Rabada as he gets his fourth wicket by getting rid of Mohammed Shami, who departs for 1. India’s lead one short of 300 now.

OUT! Shami departs as Rabada gets his fourth. Shami looked to play this through the leg side but got a thick edge towards the slip instead. IND 169/9

Shami c Mulder b Rabada 1(12)

After 49 overs,India 169/8 ( Mohammed Shami 1 , Jasprit Bumrah 2)

Jansen replaces Mulder. Shami gets off the mark with a top edge that nearly results in a catch for de Kock in the third delivery. Just one from the over.

After 48 overs,India 168/8 ( Mohammed Shami 0 , Jasprit Bumrah 2)

Pant starts off with an extra cover drive off Rabada, coming back for a second as Bavuma gives the ball a chase and puts in a slide in the deep. Follows it up with a well-timed pull in front of square for a boundary, before perishing in the third delivery as the uneven bounce gets the better of him, resulting in Rabada’s third wicket. Bumrah gets off the mark with a brace off the last delivery. Eight runs and a wicket from the over.

OUT! The uneven bounce does the job for the Proteas as Pant falls after an entertaining run-a-ball 34. Took a couple of steps forward and looked to slap this over midwicket, but froze midway during his shot, lobbing it over mid on for an easy catch as a result. IND 166/8

Pant c Ngidi b Rabada 34(34)

After 47 overs,India 160/7 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 28 , Mohammed Shami 0)

Mulder continues after drinks. FOUR! Pant tickles a short ball aimed at his ribcage towards fine leg off the second delivery. FOUR MORE! Pant then goes inside out over extra cover to make it back-to-back hits to the fence. Looks like he did get word from the dressing room about upping the tempo after drinks. India already have a sizeable lead at the moment. Quick single to Pant off the fifth, having to put in a slide to prevent himself from getting run out. Nine from the over.

After 46 overs,India 151/7 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 19 , Mohammed Shami 0)

Rabada gets rid of Ashwin in the first delivery, the ball perhaps landing on one of the cracks and rearing up, taking the batter by surprise as it deflects off his glove and into Petersen’s hands at gully. Rabada once again oversteps next ball while also bowling one down the leg side that beats the diving keeper and runs away to the fence for four byes. Five runs and a wicket from the over, with the umpire calling for drinks at the end of the over.

OUT! Ashwin’s stay at the crease comes to an end as he ends up gloving a short ball from Rabada to the man at gully. Takes this upstairs once again, and the ball does go on to hit the arm guard, but there appears to be a tiny deflection from the left glove, as a result of which the TV umpire decides to stick to his on-field counterpart’s original call. IND 146/7

Ashwin c Petersen b Rabada 14(17)

After 45 overs,India 146/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 19 , Ravichandran Ashwin 14)

Tidy over from Mulder with a couple of singles coming off it as India’s lead is now worth 276.

After 44 overs,India 144/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 18 , Ravichandran Ashwin 13)

Three singles collected in the first four deliveries of this over, before Ashwin is adjudged caught-behind off the fifth. Ashwin goes upstairs right away, confidently going for the review, and we find out why in the replay — no bat, with the ball brushing the shoulder. Salt in the wounds for the Proteas thereafter as the next ball rolls away to long stop for four leg byes.

After 43 overs,India 137/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 16 , Ravichandran Ashwin 12)

Mulder replaces Jansen. Ashwin, meanwhile, collects his second boundary with a lovely drive through mid on in the penultimate delivery, moving to 12 in the process. Four from the over. India’s lead, meanwhile, is 267 at the moment. Will they think of declaring after stretching that to 300, given there’s a forecast for thunderstorms tomorrow?

After 42 overs,India 133/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 16 , Ravichandran Ashwin 8)

Tidy over from Rabada with Pant and Ashwin collecting a single each to keep the scoreboard ticking.

After 41 overs,India 131/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 7)

Big over for the Indians with Jansen leaving 11 from this one. Ashwin punches the ball down the ground, getting enough time to come back for a third. Pant then collects two boundaries in three balls, clipping a full delivery through backward square leg, and two balls later slashing a short ball outside off over point. Pant keeps the strike with a single off the last ball.

Certainly has been a debut to remember

Ok my mind is made up, Jansen was the right call, his fight with the bat and his wicket-taking ability - he's in my XI for the rest of the series #SAvIND

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 29, 2021

That’s the plan, perhaps?

The bat til tea mantra is probably going to coincide with the all out by tea mantra... #SAvInd

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) December 29, 2021

After 40 overs,India 119/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

FOUR! Solidly driven through the covers off a full delivery from Rabada. Four from the over.

After 39 overs,India 115/6 ( Rishabh Pant (W) 2 , Ravichandran Ashwin 4)

Rahane perishes while trying to play a shot too many. Went for a half-hearted hook off a bouncer from Jansen in the fifth delivery, wasn’t in control of the shot and ended up offering Rassie a simple catch at deep square leg. Ravichandran Ashwin walks out to bat next and gets off the mark right away with a boundary.

OUT! Shot too many from Rahane, but that was perhaps the instruction from captain and coach, as Rahane holes out to the man at deep backward square leg. Was dug in short from Jansen and outside off, and Rahane isn’t quite in control of the hook. Van der Dussen settles under the ball and pouches this in front of the boundary. IND 111/6

Rahane c van der Dussen b Jansen 20(23)

After 38 overs,India 111/5 ( Ajinkya Rahane 20 , Rishabh Pant (W) 2)

Pujara gets tempted into a glance after Ngidi bowls one along leg, close to his body, resulting in a faint edge that lands in de Kock’s gloves. Rishabh Pant walks out next, and gets off the mark with a brace off the second ball that he faces.

OUT! Another disappointing outing for ChePu as he ends up nicking the ball to the keeper off Ngidi while looking to glance a delivery going down leg towards the fine leg fence. India lose their second wicket after the lunch interval. IND 109/5

Pujara c de Kock b Ngidi 16(64)

After 37 overs,India 109/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 16 , Ajinkya Rahane 20)

Rahane’s certainly not holding back in this over, collecting a four and a six off consecutive deliveries from Jansen. Gets a full, wide delivery in the third delivery that he easily steers behind point. Next ball is much shorter, and aimed at his ribs. Rahane instinctively goes for a pull, and there is a risk of the man at fine leg coming into play, but he’s timed this well enough for it to sail over the ropes. Collects another boundary in the penultimate delivery with a lovely cover drive, forcing Jansen to change his angle to round the wicket for the last delivery. Big over for the Indians, with 14 coming off it as the lead stretches to 239. Rahane, meanwhile, goes past Pujara’s score in no time.

After 36 overs,India 95/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 16 , Ajinkya Rahane 6)

Rahane returns for a second after the ball deflects towards fine leg off his pad, with two leg byes being added to the score. He pulls a short ball towards long leg two balls later, collecting a single. Three from the over.

After 35 overs,India 92/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 16 , Ajinkya Rahane 5)

Jansen starts off with a steep bouncer that is too high even for the keeper to grab, resulting in four byes, something his skipper won’t be too happy about. FOUR! Pujara rolls his wrists beautifully to drive a full delivery through mid on for a boundary. Eight from the over. A flurry of short balls from Jansen to end the over.

After 34 overs,India 84/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 12 , Ajinkya Rahane 5)

Change from both ends after lunch as Lungi Ngidi bowls from the Pavilion End. Rahane, meanwhile, collects his first boundary with a punch in front of square off a back-of-length delivery from Ngidi. Four from the over.

After 33 overs,India 80/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 12 , Ajinkya Rahane 1)

Top start for the Proteas as Jansen removes Kohli, who ends up nicking the ball to the keeper while looking for a cover drive, first ball after the interval. Ajinkya Rahane, who had fallen just two short of a fifty in the previous innings, walks out to bat next and gets off the mark in streaky fashion, getting a thick top edge towards fine leg for a single. A run a wicket from this over.

OUT! What a start for the Proteas! Jansen gets rid of Virat Kohli, the man he had been bowling to as a net bowler three years ago! Kohli has a tentative poke at the ball moving away outside off, and ends up nicking it to the keeper. That wicket will have made Jansen’s day! IND 79/4

Kohli c de Kock b Jansen 18(32)

Marco Jansen to bowl the first over of the second session with Virat Kohli on strike…

Big session coming up next

Absorbing first session. SA bowlers have held batsmen on a leash, and taken 2 wickets. India still ahead but will want 100 runs or so more to declare. Both Kohli & Pujara have enjoyed luck and will have to bat with more authority — especially Pujara — to get runs quickly enouhh

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 29, 2021

After 32 overs,India 79/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 12 , Virat Kohli (C) 18)

LUNCH on Day 4. Mulder collects his fourth maiden in seven overs after bowling the final over of the session, as India head to the interval with their lead past the 200-mark now. With seven wickets left and Kohli and Pujara fairly set at the moment, the visitors will eye some quick runs on the other side of the break. Anything above 250 will be challenging in the fourth innings, and the Indians will hope to snuff out any South African hopes for a victory by eyeing a target in the 300-350 range.

After 31 overs,India 79/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 12 , Virat Kohli (C) 18)

FOUR! Deft little touch by Kohli sends the length ball from Rabada past gully, and all the way to the deep backward square leg fence. Fourth boundary for the visiting skipper, who’s collecting runs at a decent rate at the moment. Should be one more over before lunch.

After 30 overs,India 75/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 12 , Virat Kohli (C) 14)

FOUR! Pujara doesn’t hold back after getting a short ball outside off in the fifth delivery, cutting it through point to collect his second maiden. He’s in a bit of pain in the next ball as the ball kicks up higher than usual and hits him on the glove. Four from the over. Another couple of overs to go for lunch on Day 4.

After 29 overs,India 71/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 8 , Virat Kohli (C) 14)

Big appeal from the Proteas in this over against Kohli, though it’s not entirely clear if they are appealing for a catch at third slip off a deflection or for LBW. The Proteas take it upstairs after Erasmus shakes his head, with no contact with the bat, and getting ‘Umpire’s Call’ on HawkEye after checking for LBW, the hosts retaining their review in the process. FOUR! Steered away behind point by Kohli, with Rabada also having overstepped (for the nth time in this match) as five runs are added to the total along with an extra delivery.

After 28 overs,India 66/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 8 , Virat Kohli (C) 10)

Another tidy over from Mulder, with just a leg bye coming from it as the all-rounder collects his third maiden in five overs.

After 27 overs,India 65/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 8 , Virat Kohli (C) 10)

Change of bowl, as Rabada replaces Ngidi, starting off a new spell with a maiden.

After 26 overs,India 65/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 8 , Virat Kohli (C) 10)

FOUR! Kohli goes past Pujara’s score while having faced around a third of the number of deliveries his partner has so far, as he collects his second boundary of the day with a glance towards fine leg. Five from the over, with Pujara having collected a single off the second ball.

After 25 overs,India 60/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 7 , Virat Kohli (C) 6)

FOUR! VK’s off the mark in style, leaning forward and flicking one through the midwicket region for a boundary. The India skipper gets an outside edge four balls later, with Peterson diving to his right to stop the ball from going away for a second boundary in the over. Kohli steers the ball towards cover off the last ball to collect a brace. Six from the over.

After 24 overs,India 54/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 7 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Second maiden for Mulder in three overs. Pujara has faced 31 deliveries for his seven runs so far, just the usual ChePu start in a Test innings.

After 23 overs,India 54/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 7 , Virat Kohli (C) 0)

Rahul gets hit on the glove by a delivery from Ngidi that rises higher than expected, requiring a quick look from the physio. Nothing too serious though, and Rahul’s taking guard for the next ball not too long after. Perhaps the painful blow affected his concentration as he pokes at a short-of-length delivery to get caught at first slip two balls later, departing for 23 in the process. Virat Kohli walks to the centre next. Wicket maiden for Ngidi.

OUT! Ngidi gets the crucial wicket of the first innings centurion, as Rahul ends up edging a short-of-length ball to Elgar at first slip to depart after getting off to a patient start. IND 54/3

Rahul c Elgar b Ngidi 23(74)

After 22 overs,India 54/2 ( KL Rahul 23 , Cheteshwar Pujara 7)

Tidy over from Mulder with just one coming from it, as Rahul works the ball through square leg off the last ball to keep the strike.

After 21 overs,India 53/2 ( KL Rahul 22 , Cheteshwar Pujara 7)

Ngidi continues after the drinks interval. Rahul drives the ball down the ground off the second delivery, the ball slowing down on its way to the fence with the batter coming back for a third. Three from the over.

After 20 overs,India 50/2 ( KL Rahul 19 , Cheteshwar Pujara 7)

Marco Jansen gets a break after a long morning spell, with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder replacing him. Starts off his spell with a maiden. Umpire calls for drinks at the end of this over.

After 19 overs,India 50/2 ( KL Rahul 19 , Cheteshwar Pujara 7)

Five from Ngidi’s second over of the day, including a boundary to Rahul off the third delivery as he flicks the ball through the square leg region, as the fifty comes up for the Indians.

After 18 overs,India 45/2 ( KL Rahul 15 , Cheteshwar Pujara 6)

Marco Jansen continues from the Pavilion End, keeping things tidy as he collects his third maiden on the trot. Jansen, in fact, hasn’t conceded a run since getting hit for a six by Thakur.

After 17 overs,India 45/2 ( KL Rahul 15 , Cheteshwar Pujara 6)

Lungi Ngidi returns to the attack, replacing Rabada. Cheteshwar Pujara, meanwhile, gets off the mark with a lovely straight drive first ball, the ball rolling all the way to the long on fence for a boundary. Ngidi nearly gets rid of him three balls later though, as Pujara goes for a drive — straight to Rabada standing at midwicket. Rabada though, fluffs the chance as the ball passes through his hands. How expensive will that prove for the Proteas?

After 16 overs,India 39/2 ( KL Rahul 15 , Cheteshwar Pujara 0)

FOUR! Rahul tucks a short of length ball towards the fine leg fence off Jansen to collect his second boundary of the day.

After 15 overs,India 35/2 ( KL Rahul 11 , Cheteshwar Pujara 0)

Yet another front-foot no-ball from Rabada in this over, taking his tally in this match to 15. Too many runs being given away by South Africa’s premier fast bowler.

After 14 overs,India 34/2 ( KL Rahul 11 , Cheteshwar Pujara 0)

Second consecutive maiden for Jansen as Rahul blocks and leaves his way through this over.

After 13 overs,India 34/2 ( KL Rahul 11 , Cheteshwar Pujara 0)

Four byes added to the Indian score as Rabada fires one down leg that beats both Thakur’s bat as well as the keeper’s gloves before running away to fine leg. He gets the first wicket of the day four balls later as Thakur nicks the ball to Mulder at third slip to depart for 10. Cheteshwar Pujara is the new man at the crease.

OUT! Rabada with the breakthrough, as nightwatchman Shardul Thakur departs for 10 after edging the ball to the slips. Wiaan Mulder moves to his right to complete a fine catch at third slip. SA 34/2

Thakur c Mulder b Rabada 10(26)

After 12 overs,India 30/1 ( KL Rahul 11 , Shardul Thakur 10)

Tidy over from Jansen as he collects his second maiden of the day. The debutant is looking a lot more assured with his line and lengths today than he did on Day 1.

After 11 overs,India 30/1 ( KL Rahul 11 , Shardul Thakur 10)

OUCH! Rahul suffers a painful blow to the rib cage, getting hit while attempting to duck to a delivery that ultimately doesn’t climb as expected. The South Africans even appeal for LBW, unsuccessfully though. Rahul gets off strike after getting hit on the thigh pad, with a leg bye being added. Two from the over, including yet another front-foot no-ball.

After 10 overs,India 28/1 ( KL Rahul 11 , Shardul Thakur 10)

Jansen continues from over the wicket to Thakur. Swing-and-a-miss in the first delivery after Thakur attempts to drive a ball that moves away. SIX! First maximum of the day comes off Thakur’s bat as we slaps a short ball over backward point, timing it so well that it sails over the boundary rope. Jansen keeps things tight in the remaining deliveries.

After 9 overs,India 22/1 ( KL Rahul 11 , Shardul Thakur 4)

Back-to-back maidens for the Proteas now, with Rahul deciding to play it safe in this over, with Rabada focusing on the short length along the channel of uncertainty outside off.

After 8 overs,India 22/1 ( KL Rahul 11 , Shardul Thakur 4)

Marco Jansen steams in from the Pavilion End, and starts off his spell on the fourth day with a maiden. Appeals vociferously for an LBW in the penultimate delivery after Thakur decides to shoulder his arms to an inswinger that hits him high on the pad. Elgar goes for the review, and it’s missing the stumps. Review lost for the Proteas.

After 7 overs,India 22/1 ( KL Rahul 11 , Shardul Thakur 4)

Positive start for the Indians on Day 4, with Rabada conceding six from the first over of the day. Rahul collects a brace off the second delivery, before getting an edge that sends the ball flying past gully towards the third man fence for the first boundary of the day.

KL Rahul and nightwatchman Shardul Thakur walk out to resume India’s second innings. Kagiso Rabada has a relatively new ball in hand. And the fourth day is underway!

“The sun hot as always. Today it seems that much hotter. It’s certainly changed in character, but that’s what happens at Supersport Park. The indentations going towards the Pavilion End, the divots created… as the game goes along, they become a factor. There are cracks and there are patches of grass. Where there is grass, it will hold together, and where it isn’t, the pitch will start cracking,” says Pommie Mbangwa in the pitch report.

“In terms of the bowling and the batting, obviously coming tomorrow with the ball, that first session is going to be super key,” said Temba Bavuma after stumps on Day 3, with the South Africans trailing the visitors by 146 runs at the close of play. If the Proteas are to avoid defeat, early wickets in the morning session are crucial.

Read: First session will be key on Day 4, says Temba Bavuma

“It was after getting the 200th wicket that I felt I have achieved something big and made the country proud.“

Mohammed Shami opens up on the milestone wicket on Day 3, with which he achieved a feat that only four Indian pacers had before.

200 Test wickets 💪
A terrific 5-wicket haul 👌
An emotional celebration 👍#TeamIndia pacer @MdShami11 chats up with Bowling Coach Paras Mhambrey after a memorable outing on Day 3 in Centurion. 👏👏 - By @28anand

Watch the full interview 🎥 🔽 #SAvIND https://t.co/likiJKi6o5 pic.twitter.com/zIsQODjY6d

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2021

“Indian pace bowling is a formidable one because each and every member has worked hard and achieved it all with their sheer hard work”

While Mohammed Shami acknowledged the hard work put in by the support staff over the years, he insisted the ultimate credit should go to each and every member of the current Indian pace cartel for becoming world-class bowlers themselves.

Read: Credit for pace unit’s success should only go to players who worked for it: Shami

“Day 3 provided a fine look at how this series will progress. Any collapse the Indian batting suffers, the South African batting can suffer worse. Anything South Africa’s bowling can do, the Indian bowling can do better.”

Chetan Narula analyses the events of the eventful third day, a day that saw the fall of 18 wickets across three innings.

Read: A day of two collapses at Centurion – one expected, one unsurprising

Welcome to LIVE coverage of Day 4 of the first Test between South Africa vs India. With nine wickets in hand, India will aim to establish an insurmountable lead as they look to take a 1-0 lead in the series. They currently lead by 146 runs.