Mohammed Siraj claimed his best Test figures as South Africa was shot out for just 55 in 23.2 overs on the opening day of the second cricket test against India.

South Africa’s paltry total was its lowest since being readmitted to the test arena in 1991.

Paceman Siraj took 6-15 in a stunning nine-over spell as the Proteas collapsed before lunch.

It was his third five-wicket haul in his 23rd test, and his first against South Africa. His previous best was 5-60 against the West Indies in Port of Spain last year.

Jasprit Bumrah also took 2-25 while Mukesh Kumar picked up two wickets without conceding a run in 2.2 overs.

The procession started in the fourth over, with Aiden Markram caught at slip for two.

Stand-in skipper Dean Elgar, who scored 185 in the first test at Centurion, was bowled for four as Siraj sent back both openers.

Tony de Zorzi was caught behind and Bumrah sent back debutant Tristan Stubbs for three, caught at short leg.

There was a 19-run partnership for the fifth wicket between David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne, but it was only a brief respite for the host nation.

Siraj dismissed both batters in the space of 10 deliveries, with Verreynne’s 15 the Proteas’ top score. In between, he sent back Marco Jansen.

Kumar was introduced later and he took two wickets in 14 deliveries, accounting for Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada.

Bumrah finished off the innings by having Nandre Burger caught at slip,

South Africa had opted to bat after winning the toss, with Elgar skippering the team in his final test before retirement as Temba Bavuma was ruled out by injury.

The hosts also brought in Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi. India made two changes, recalling Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja.

South Africa won the opening match of the two-test series by an innings and 32 runs.