South Africa had a good day today - they ended on 144 for 1 with Graeme Smith batting on 76 and Hashim Amla giving him good company batting on 50.

South Africa would be very happy with their effort today. First they restricted India to 414, when at one stage it looked as if India could close in on 500 and then they came out to bat in a positive manner. The approach was good and, even though the ball was turning, Smith and Amla did not allow the Indian spinners to settle down, especially Anil Kumble. I just got the feeling that Rahul Dravid should have used a lot more of Virender Sehwag and that's what he should do tomorrow. He must get it into the mindset that spin will have to play a major role in this Test match and two spinners bowling in tandem can do no harm whatsoever.

From South Africa's point of view they know that they can put pressure on India if they have a good third day. If they bat well for two sessions then the pressure might just begin to shift on India a little bit. But still there is a long way to go and India has to think wickets. They have to think that they can win this Test match. The ball is about 40 overs old and spinners should bowl from both ends with men around the bat and Rahul Dravid should think wickets.

South Africa will be very happy with their effort. Smith looks like getting back some form; he struck the ball well once again, like he did in Durban. He played a lot straighter in this innings and his footwork against Kumble was particularly good. He never allowed him to settle down and was quick to jump down the track to play some good drives both on the on-side and the off-side. He looks good to make a big score. Amla is giving him good company; he is unorthodox with his backlift, he is playing for his place in the side, but he has good powers of concentration and once he gets in he has the ability to get the big scores.