The Proteas are already on the ropes after Day Two of their first Test against India in Vizag.
With the hosts declaring their first innings total on 502/7 on Thursday, they had South Africa on 39/3 at the close of play.
The visitors were much more fruitful with ball in hand on the second day, having failed to bag a single wicket on Day One - with India ending on 202/0.
When play resumed, the hosts added 115 runs before Rohit Sharma (176) was beaten by Keshav Maharaj with Quinton de Kock making the stumping.
Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, Sharma’s opening partner Mayank Agarwal (215) played the innings of his life to convert his first Test hundred into a double ton, before he tried to slog part-time spinner Dean Elgar, only for the ball to be snapped up by a diving Dane Piedt on the boundary.
Ravi Jadeja added an unbeaten 30 runs as Maharaj bagged the best bowling figures for SA (3/189).
South Africa needed a good start in their reply, but India’s spinners proved to be too much for them with Ravi Ashwin striking twice - clean bowling Aiden Markram (5) and having Theunis de Bruyn caught behind for four.
Nightwatchman Piedt didn’t last long either, with Jadeja knocking over his wickets for a duck.
When play resumes today, Temba Bavuma (2*), who was already dropped at short leg, and opener Dean Elgar (27*) will continue the visitors’ fight.
The test continues on Friday.