The China Mail - Muthusamy anchors South Africa to 316-6 in second India Test

South Africa resumed on 247-6 and overnight batters Muthusamy, on 56, and Kyle Verreynne, on 38 were still there at the end of the first session in Guwahati having extended their unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to 70.

Play in the north-eastern city is starting 30 minutes earlier than usual because of early sunsets, with the order of the session breaks reversed, meaning the shorter tea break comes before lunch.

The tourists, who won the toss and elected to bat on Saturday, are in hunt for their first series victory in India in 25 years after they won the opener of the two-match series.

Verreynne hit a boundary to raise South Africa's 300 before the left-handed Muthusamy reached his fifty with a single off Ravindra Jadeja and looked in control.

It was the first fifty of this innings after Tristan Stubbs fell on 49 and skipper Temba Bavuma made 41 as the pair put on 84 for the third wicket on day one.

Muthusamy and Verreynne used their feet to tackle spinners in a sedate first hour of play when only 28 runs were scored, including two fours.

Muthusamy had a reprieve on 48 when left-arm spinner Jadeja had him given out lbw but the batsman's review showed the a muurmur when the ball passed his glove and the decision was overturned.

Y.Parker--ThChM