Opening batsman Aiden Markram struck an important half-century on day two of South Africa A’s series decider against India A in Mysore on Wednesday.

Resuming on 233-3 overnight, the hosts climbed to 414 all out on the back of opener Shubman Gill’s 92 and half-centuries from middle-order batsmen Shivam Dube, Jalaj Saxena and Wriddhiman Saha.

The tourists’ reply moved to 159-5, with Markram unbeaten on 83, which spanned 140 deliveries and featured a dozen boundaries. He had shared an 82-run alliance with fellow right-hander Theunis de Bruyn. Both have been named in the squad for next month’s three Tests against India.

Captain Markram will resume alongside all-rounder Wiaan Mulder on Thursday and attempt to reduce a 258-run deficit before posting a second-innings lead.

Earlier, seamer Mulder was key with the ball. He and spinner Dane Piedt shared six wickets in the home side’s first innings.

On day one Proteas seamer Vernon Philander’s return to first-class cricket yielded a dozen characteristically tight overs.

Philander’s role will be important during October’s Tests against the Indians and Tuesday’s performance was an early indicator of match fitness.

South Africa A suffered a seven-wicket defeat in last week’s series opener in Thiruvananthapuram.

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