Sawt Falasteen - Bavuma, Stubbs steer South Africa to 156-2 in second India Test

South Africa reached 156-2 at the second break in Guwahati after electing to bat in their bid to clinch their first series on Indian soil in 25 years.

Aiden Markram, who made 38, and Ryan Rickelton, who scored 35, fell either side of the first break to Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav after an opening partnership of 82.

Bavuma, on 36, and Stubbs (32) were batting at the second interval in a stand of 74 as the pair used their feet to tackle the Indian spinners.

Stubbs took on left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep to hit the only six of the innings so far as he struck the ball over long-on.

Play started 30 minutes earlier than usual because of early sunsets, with the order of the session breaks reversed, meaning lunch comes after tea.

Bumrah had Markram bowled at the stroke of tea when the batsman inside-edged a delivery on to his stumps.

Kuldeep struck on the third ball after the first break to cut short Rickelton's 82-ball stay and raise the noise of a large weekend crowd at India's newest Test venue.

Earlier, the openers started cautiously and Markram got off the mark on his 17th ball with a crunching cover drive for four off Bumrah.

The bowler nearly had his revenge next ball only for KL Rahul to drop a chance at second slip.

Bumrah covered his face in dismay with Rahul spilling a regulation catch on a pitch which looks good to bat on.

South Africa, who recently drew 1-1 in Pakistan, are chasing a first series win in India since Hansie Cronje's team triumphed there in 2000.

The tourists won the first Test of the two-match series by 30 runs at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

V.Said--SF-PST