It was supposed to be a keen contest between Virat Kohli and South Africa's fast bowlers. But two days into the second Test, and the Proteas bowling attack — led by Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander — looked hapless on a rather pace-friendly wicket at the MCA International Stadium.
And the team coach, Enoch Nkwe, admitted that his bowlers failed to execute plans.
"We've got ourselves to blame to be honest. It was conducive to seam bowling, we just didn’t hit our straps. We bowled a little too wide, we didn’t test the Indian batters enough," Nkwe said.
"When we do that just allowed the batters to get in and it’s something we need to learn and learn very very quickly," he added.
Read: Kohli's unbeaten double ton piles agony on South Africa
The coach admitted it is important to bowl tight line and length for a longer period of time in order to put pressure on the opposition batsmen.
"It’s credit to the two batters there. They really grounded it out and we just let ourselves down. And it became very difficult because once the wicket started to play a lot better, they took advantage of that."
"One thing I won’t question is the courage of our team. The boys gave it all. That’s something we’ll keep trying to find our way back into the game. That’s something we’ve always spoken about and we’ve shown it in the first Test. Its just a matter of holding it for a longer period of time" the coach added.
He also lauded India captain Virat Kohli, who hammered an unbeaten 254.
"He’s a world class player. Credit to India today in the terms of how they went about their business. It was a very crucial partnership from Rahane and Kohli. He led by example. Great knock from him. Superb to watch," he said.
"When you are bowling to a world class line-up that’s what happens. We take good learning from that. From a batting point of view we need to learn from them on how you can get through tough periods and then apply yourself mentally. Obviously skill execution is going to be very important," Nkwe said.
Comments
SHARE