Hashim Amla’s gritty knock of 61 in difficult conditions at the Wanderers is our Play of the Day.

South Africa’s bowlers deserve special mention for the role they played with the bat as Kagiso Rabada did an exceptional job as the nightwatchman late on day one, and then in the first session on day two.

Vernon Philander, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Morne Morkel all chipped in later in the innings to ensure that the hosts surpassed India’s total of 187, South Africa will go into day three with some hope of a win as a result.

All that said, there was one man who held South Africa’s innings together. Amla was the standout batsman for the hosts, showing remarkable composure and intent to keep his side in the contest.

DAY TWO REPORT: Amla keeps Proteas in contest

Amla occupied the crease for nearly four hours as he scored 61 – the highest score of the game after the first innings – off 121 balls.

It was a watchful yet busy innings, with Amla using his feet well to move forward and across his stumps. Ultimately, he worked hard to negate the late movement off the pitch.

South Africa finished their innings on 194 all out and they would have fallen well short of India’s 187 if not for the partnership involving Amla and Rabada (64 runs), and then the stand featuring Amla and Philander (44).

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix