IND vs SA: We will try to win, says Shami

South African opener Dean Elgar admitted that not having Virat Kohli on crease on the final day is massive for the host.

Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami in between the latter’s ferocious spell on the fourth day of the second Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.

 

This has been a memorable game for Mohammed Shami as he went past the 100-wicket mark in Tests. “We wanted to bowl in the right areas and restrict them in the second innings,” said Shami.

“We have stopped them and given ourselves a very good target. We will try to win,” said the speedster about India’s chances.

Asked about the pitch, he said, “Didn’t expect the ball to stay so low on this wicket. Overseas, we haven’t seen such a slow and low wicket.”

IND vs SA: Struggling India staring at steep chase

South African opener Dean Elgar said the pitch had uneven bounce.

“We are quite fortunate. We’ve got three tall fast bowlers who bowl 140-plus. I think that is working in our favour on a wicket that is becoming quite up and down. Not having to bother about Virat [Kohli] tomorrow is massive for us.”

He added, “One ball has got your name on it here and you have to be quite cautious because of the unknown.”

On the banter between him and Kohli, Elgar said, “It’s something that really gets me going when someone is in my ear and trying to put me down. It’s a motivating factor to keep me going.

“Test cricket is 70 per cent mental and 30 per cent what you do on the park. I was never gifted with the talent others have, but maybe I was gifted with something between the ears.”

Asked about a South Africa victory here, he said, “I think after what happened in India, we left with a lot of scars, us giving them the kind of treatment and beating them here in South Africa is definitely going to be satisfying.”

Markram injured South African opener Aiden Markram, who came up with an innings of 94 on day one of the ongoing Test, is a doubtful starter for third Test at Johannesburg after suffering a thigh strain. The third Test starts on January 24. Markram's injury is not considered to be serious but the South Africans are unlikely to risk him unless he has recovered fully. As a precautionary measure, the opener did not come out to field when India batted a second time.