South Africa lost opener Ryan Rickelton early, but captain Temba Bavuma’s assured batting guided the visitors to a strong 156 for two at lunch on day one of the second and final Test against India in Guwahati on Saturday.

Rickleton put on an 82-run opening stand with Aiden Markram (38) before falling to Kuldeep Yadav, but India’s bowlers endured another grinding session with limited success on a pitch offering little assistance.

Bavuma, who struck the only half-century in the series opener in Kolkata, looked composed once again and went into the break unbeaten on 36. Tristan Stubbs offered solid support at the other end, batting on 32 as the pair kept South Africa firmly in control heading into the afternoon session.

Due to the early sunrise and fast-fading light in northeast India, the

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