Harbhajan Singh has Proteas in a spin

Harbhajan Singh spun India back into contention on day two of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, taking 4-10 as the Proteas were bowled out for 131 - 74 runs behind India's 205.

Off-spinner Harbhajan and fit-again fast bowler Zaheer Khan (3-36) shared seven wickets to give top-ranked India an unlikely lead as South Africa slumped to its lowest first-innings total at Kingsmead in 71 years, and second-lowest ever at the Durban venue.

Hashim Amla top-scored for the Proteas with 33 at his home ground but his departure, lbw to Harbhajan, began South Africa's 12-over collapse after lunch where it lost six wickets for 35 runs.

South Africa had bowled India out for 205 early on day two, with Dale Steyn claiming 6-50 and his 15th career five-wicket haul, before the home team folded in just 37.2 overs.

India bowled and caught superbly in the afternoon to claw its way back into the three-match series. South Africa leads the series 1-0. Fourteen wickets had fallen in just over 46 overs on day two at Kingsmead when tea was taken early at the end of South Africa's innings. And a further four fell after the tea break as India reached 92-4 in their second innings to establish a 168 run lead by the close.