The longer India bat, the better chance South Africa have of saving the fourth Test against India in Delhi.

SuperSport analysts Kepler Wessels, Neil McKenzie and Eric Simons had their say on the third day’s play on Saturday.

On South Africa’s bowling
Wessels: ‘I think by now South Africa’s bowlers are getting tired and it looks like that as well. It’s a pity that one dismissal where there was a no ball involved went against them because things could have changed there as well.
‘India being 400 runs ahead at the end of day three; it doesn’t get better than that from an opposition point of view. I think South Africa realise they are up against it. From a physical point of view as well, some of the players are taking strain, so it’s been very hard.’

On India’s batting
McKenzie: ‘I thought India would make something of it. South Africa have done a good fighting job, but I thought India would maybe have a go at it after tea and make a statement, but why should they? There are two days left; South Africa haven’t batted a whole day in the series. Having Virat Kohli at the crease also doesn’t help because as the captain he makes the calls and the closer he gets to a hundred the longer South Africa will be in the field.
‘The longer India bat, the more chance South Africa have of saving the match. It puts all the South Africans in the same category in terms of, everyone knows their job: It’s to go bat for your life out there, bat for your country and soak up as many balls and as much time as you can.’
Wessels: ‘We are sort of talking 450 [as a lead] but I wouldn’t be surprised if they go for 500 runs ahead and bat until just before lunch.’
Simons: ‘Fatigue is also a factor. The longer India keep the Proteas on their feet, the more tired they become and the less focus they will have to bat. Kohli has every card to play at his disposal.’