Mohammed Siraj provided one of the few light moments for Indian supporters on a difficult third day in Guwahati, briefly turning the Spidercam into a stand to hang his cap. Late in the day, with South Africa choosing to bat again instead of enforcing the follow-on, a clip emerged showing Siraj placing his cap on the broadcast camera while standing at his fielding position. The cap hung over the lens, prompting cheers from the crowd as the camera operator lowered the device towards him, seemingly urging the pacer to take it off.
Siraj ignored the nudge at first, waiting for the next delivery to be completed before walking over and removing the cap. The moment drew laughter from the stands and online, offering a rare breather for home fans on an otherwise punishing day for India. That light-hearted exchange came against the backdrop of South Africa’s commanding position, driven largely by Marco Jansen’s standout all-round display. Earlier, India were bundled out for 201 in their first innings, handing the visitors a lead of 288. Jansen was at the centre of the collapse, claiming 6/48 to add to his 93 from the first innings. His haul placed him alongside some of South Africa’s best performances in the country, only behind Lance Klusener and Dale Steyn in terms of figures by visiting pacers. It also made him only the third left-arm fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul in India after Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson.Watch the hilarious moment here India had briefly steadied their innings through Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, who added 72 runs for the eighth wicket. But once Simon Harmer removed Washington, Jansen returned to finish the innings. Kuldeep fell to steep bounce, and Jasprit Bumrah was the final wicket, edging behind after another short ball.
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Did you think South Africa should have enforced the follow-on?
With India dismissed deep into the final session, South Africa surprised many by choosing not to enforce the follow-on. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram then extended the lead to 314 by stumps, reaching 26 without loss. The visitors now sit in full control with two days left, while India face the prospect of having to save the Test and hopefully, the series.
