South Africa have finally declared their second innings at 260/5, moments after Tristan Stubbs was bowled for 94 by Ravindra Jadeja on Day 4 in Guwahati. The Proteas, who had already stretched their overall lead to a massive 548 runs, were clearly waiting for Stubbs to get to his maiden Test century before calling their innings to a close.
Stubbs, batting with exceptional patience and control, spent 180 balls at the crease and struck nine fours and a six. But in trying to bring up his hundred in style with another slog-sweep, he missed a tossed-up delivery from Jadeja. The ball drifted, dipped and hit the top of off-stump, ending his brilliant knock six runs short of the milestone.
South Africa immediately signalled the declaration after his dismissal, suggesting their strategy was to give Stubbs the opportunity while still allowing themselves ample time — nearly two days — to bowl India out and secure a 2–0 series sweep.
With a 548-run target, India now face an improbable task on a deteriorating surface that has continued to worsen for batting. The hosts will need a miracle to avoid defeat — and prevent their third whitewashed Test series loss in history.
