Tristan Stubbs' half-century drives Proteas' lead past 500 with declaration looming

Tristan Stubbs’ third Test half century along with Tony de Zorzi’s breezy contribution has pushed the Proteas’ overall lead in excess of 500 on the fourth day of the second Test against India at Guwahati.

The Proteas showed greater intent during the middle session, which was primarily due to De Zorzi lifting the ante with his 68-ball 49 (4x4, 1x6). The left-hander unfortunately missed out a personal milestone when he missed a sweep shot against Ravindra Jadeja to be trapped LBW.

De Zorzi reviewed the on-field decision, but the television replays confirmed Jadeja’s third wicket of the day.

Stubbs was more patient at the crease, and considering the situation of the Test it was perplexing, but the right-hander eventually found greater fluency in his game to finish unbeaten on 60 not out (155 balls, 5x4).

De Zorzi and Stubbs shared a 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which was amazingly the Proteas’ first century stand of the entire Test series. 

There was no sign of the Proteas’ ending India’s misery in the field anytime soon though as Wiaan Mulder (29 not out) and Stubbs continued to drive their hosts into the red sand of the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The partnership has already been extended to an unbroken 42 as the Proteas lead moved past a mammoth 500. 

SCOREBOARD

2nd Test, Day 4, ‘Lunch’

South Africa: 489 all out & 220/4 (Stubbs 60*, De Zorzi 49, Jadeja 2/20, Sundar 1/38)

India: 201 all out (Jaiswal 58, Sundar 48, Jansen 6/48, Harmer 3/64)

South Africa leads by 508 runs