India, Nov. 23 -- 'A road'. That's how Kuldeep Yadav described the surface at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati for India's must-win second Test that has been a batting beauty over the first two days.

This 'road' is in stark contrast to the minefield at Eden Gardens last week, when wickets tumbled like nine pins, the Test lasted only eight sessions, and South Africa comfortably defended a fourth-innings target of 124.

Perhaps in response to the stringent criticism that followed the Kolkata fiasco, or because Guwahati wanted to give a good account of itself on its debut as a Test centre, the 22-yard strip has challenged bowlers immensely over two light-affected days. India lost another toss - their third in four home Tests this season - and we...