South Africa missed an opportunity to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar and take control of the second test against India on the second day on Wednesday.

When bad light ended play 34.2 overs early, India were 103 for three in reply to South Africa's first innings of 328, which had been anchored by Ashwell Prince's 121.

At the premature close, Tendulkar was 46 not out with Vangipurappu Laxman on 10 in an unbroken partnership of 42.

South Africa let Tendulkar off the hook when medium pacer Andrew Hall found the outside edge of his bat. Graeme Smith at first slip dropped a regulation catch with the batsman on 21.