South Africa’s approach on Day 4 of the 2nd Test in Guwahati has been conservative, calculated, and deeply strategic. Despite holding a massive 421-run lead, Temba Bavuma and his side have shown no urgency to declare. Instead, they continue to bat, building a total that already feels far beyond India’s reach—especially on a surface that is increasingly starting to break down.

Playing It Safe — And Smart

“SA are trying to play it safe here. They are waiting for the pitch to deteriorate more to declare, not giving India any chance to win this match. Even if they draw, they win the series,” an analyst shared.

This analysis is bang-on. With nearly two full days left, South Africa know three things:

  1. A 400+ lead is already match-winning on most surfaces.

  2. This pitch will get harder and harder to bat on.

  3. India’s biggest vulnerability is quality spin — and SA have Harmer and Maharaj waiting.

By stretching the lead past 450 or even 500, Bavuma ensures India are batted out of the match permanently.

Why Bavuma Didn’t Enforce the Follow-On

Though the follow-on option was available, Bavuma made the calculated decision to bat again. Moments earlier, he even ran to the dressing room, speaking to his coach and consulting teammates before confirming the call.

The reasons were clear:

  • Marco Jansen bowled 20 overs for his six-wicket haul and needed rest.

  • Harmer and Maharaj want a deteriorated surface to attack on.

  • India batting last is always a huge advantage for SA’s spin attack.

Given how Harmer turned the first Test single-handedly on a worn pitch, South Africa want to replicate the script.

SA’s Long-Game: Build, Drain, Dominate

South Africa’s plan seems to be:

  1. Bat India out of the match.
    A 450–500 run lead is psychologically crushing and practically unchaseable.

  2. Let the pitch crumble further.
    Cracks widening, variable bounce emerging — perfect for spinners.

  3. Give Harmer and Maharaj the stage.
    They dismantled India in the first Test, and conditions will favour them even more now.

  4. Ensure at least a draw — which is enough to win the series.
    India need a result. South Africa do not. That shapes the strategy.

India’s Position: Only Survival Left

With India bowled out for 201, their chances of forcing a win are effectively over. They now face:

  • A fatigued batting unit

  • A pitch that worsens by the hour

  • A South African attack tailor-made for turning tracks

  • A 421+ deficit that may rise to 500

This is exactly the scenario Bavuma wanted.

Whitewash on South Africa’s Radar

South Africa have not beaten India in a Test series in India for over a decade. A win here means:

  • A rare away series victory

  • A morale-boosting series whitewash opportunity

  • A historic achievement for Bavuma’s leadership

Harmer was the difference in Test 1. He is expected to be the difference again — this time with the pitch even more in his favour.

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