South Africa’s spinners finally found their rhythm on the Guwahati surface, extracting sharp slow turn that had been missing for most of the match. Their persistence paid off as they removed two key Indian batters, triggering a shift in momentum on Day 3 of the second Test. One of the standout moments came during Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, where Marco Jansen showcased outstanding athleticism by diving low to complete a superb catch that changed the complexion of the innings.
Interestingly, while Indian spinners had earlier expressed frustration over the lack of grip on the surface, the South Africans approached the pitch with a different mindset. By bowling slower through the air and relying on subtle variations, they cracked the code on a track that seemed far less helpful than the one at Eden Gardens.
The Guwahati pitch offered consistent bounce, and that extra lift kept the spinners in the contest even when Indian batters looked comfortable. The visitors introduced spin after 12 overs of seam, and Jaiswal initially capitalised, taking on both Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. His positive intent helped India build a steady opening stand, leading to a fluent half-century—the first by an Indian batter in the series.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 58, sprinkled with seven boundaries and a towering six off Harmer, displayed his fearless attitude and excellent defensive foundation. But just when India seemed to settle, Maharaj and Harmer adjusted their pace beautifully, slowing the ball down to generate sharp spin.
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Harmer’s decisive breakthrough came when he tossed one outside off. Jaiswal rocked back, aiming to carve it through covers, but the ball gripped, held in the air longer than expected, and kissed the outside edge. Jansen pounced forward from point to grab the low chance, ending Jaiswal’s impressive knock with India still trailing by 394 runs.
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KL Rahul, who had shown immense discipline alongside Jaiswal, also fell soon after as the spinners continued tightening the screws. The pressure only grew when Sai Sudharsan departed cheaply, undone by Harmer and a brilliant recovery catch from Ryan Rickelton. Dhruv Jurel’s dismissal—an awkward pull off Jansen—added to India’s troubles.
By Tea on Day 3, India were four wickets down, struggling to regain footing against a South African attack that had smartly adapted to the conditions and taken full control of the session.
