WRAPUP 1-Cricket-Strike bowler Steyn devastates India batting

* South Africa take control of first test

* Steyn rocks India with conventional and reverse swing

By Sanjay Rajan

NAGPUR, India, Feb 8 (Reuters) - South African Dale Steyn confirmed his status as the world's premier quick bowler with a career best seven for 51 on the third day of the first test against India on Monday.

Steyn took five wickets for just three runs in a post-tea display of top-class reverse swing after dismissing Murali Vijay for four and Sachin Tendulkar for seven with conventional swing swing bowling early in the first innings.

He then took his eighth wicket of the match when he dismissed Sehwag for 16 after India had followed on to leave the hosts at 66 for two at the close with Vijay (27) and Tendulkar (15) at the crease.

India, the world's number one side, were left struggling to save the match, still 259 runs behind South Africa's imposing first innings 558 for six declared, in the two-test series between the world's two top sides.

The 26-year-old Steyn attributed his magical spell to the change of ball just before tea and a chat with interim coach Corrie van Zyl at the break.