SA Coach Shukri Conrad Explains Decision to Keep India Fielding Longer in Guwahati

South Africa is on the verge of creating history in India, as the second test in Guwahati is approaching its end. The visitors utilised smart tactics to keep India on the back foot, which is why they are reaping good results. Their decision to keep India on the field longer during the second innings was strategic, as a big target had already been set on the scoreboard.

The head coach of South Africa, Shukri Conrad, said that they wanted India to “grovel” in the field so that batting afterwards would become more difficult for them. This plan certainly worked well for them, as India lost two quick wickets early in their second innings.

"We obviously looked at how best we were going to use the new ball, because in the morning we still wanted a newish, hardish ball. What we felt is that when the shadows come across the wicket in the evening, there's something in it for the quick bowlers, so we didn't want to declare too early and not be able to use that.” said Shukri Conrad at the end of Day 4 in Guwahati.

The strategy from the South African team to tire the Indians on the field was clearly visible in Guwahati. They wanted complete control over the match, and making the Indian team struggle in the second innings was a big part of that plan.

"And then, obviously, we wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out the game, and then say to them 'Come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening.' So, so far so good, but we also know that they're not just going to roll over, we're going to have to be at our very best in the morning." said South African head coach, Shukri Conrad.

After witnessing India’s poor batting in the first innings, South Africa became convinced that a similar approach would put them out of the game in the second innings. Keeping that in mind, they decided to bat for a longer period after setting a strong score on the board.

"I don't think there's a right and a wrong in anything. We wanted India to come out again after lunch and spend time on their feet. We saw the effects of batting for two full days in the first innings and what sort of effect it had on them," said Shukri Conrad.

Playing the new ball in the evening is never easy for the incoming batters. South Africa were aware of this challenge, which is why they made sure to send India into bat at the exact right time. This decision eventually paid off, as the hosts lost two wickets by the end of the day.

"And it was never going to be easy for the opening batters to come this evening, with the new ball and shadows across the wicket. We felt we could have struck there. If tomorrow evening comes and we have them eight down and people say, 'Well, see you told you so'… we've got to base it on our sound judgement and if that doesn't work out, it doesn't.” said Shukri Conrad.

“I don't think there's a right and wrong in any of this but obviously, 2-0 is a lot better than 1-0. I'd like to think that the series is secured and we're going to go all out for the win." added Shukri Conrad.

Addition of Spin Attack in the Bowling Armory

South Africa are now confident about competing against any team in the subcontinent conditions. Their spinners have proven their worth by delivering victories against India and Pakistan in test matches recently. This success has given the South African coach great confidence that spin bowling will become an important part of their bowling arsenal in the near future.

"For the first time, we've thrown our weight behind spin bowlers. We've got quality spinners that can mix it with the best in the world and I believe we've got the balance of our sides right," said Shukri Conrad.

"The big thing for me is that it provides hope for young spinners back in South Africa, where we were primarily seen as a country that just throws its weight behind fast bowling. I'd like to think that the young spinners back home are saying there's hope for us now, because spinners are also part of the armory for Proteas' attack." concluded Shukri Conrad.