Durban pitch looks like a sub-continent wicket, says Morkel

Morkel was the only wicket-taker of the day for the Proteas, sending back Shikhar Dhawan for just 29 runs with India's score on 41 at that time.

"We are hoping the ball can reverse a bit more tomorrow. We need to come out and stick to a plan and take a couple of early wickets while they aren't settled. And then wait for the new ball," he said.

Morkel was almost ruled out for this Test match after twisting his ankle on day three of the first match at Johannesburg.

"I had an MRI scan done and they said it was a grade three injury. Then we did a sonar scan and we found out it was only grade one. So I went into rehab and worked hard with our medical team. They did some magic and the swelling went away and we worked on fitness. I am really happy to be playing this match, especially since this is Jacques Kallis' last Test," he said.

Kallis had led the team onto the field in the morning. In fact, he was allowed to venture out 10 seconds before his mates joined him.

The crowd gave him a rousing and standing ovation and he responded with raised hands and a bow with his hat.