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New Delhi: South Africa wanted India to grovel on the field in the fourth day of the Guwahati Test, said head coach Shukri Conrad after they didn’t enforce follow-on and set a massive 549-run target.
India were reduced to 27/2 at stumps and stare at a rare home series whitewash, having lost the first Test in Kolkata.
To rub salt in wounds of the hosts, Conrad used a phrase made infamous by late England skipper Tony Greig before their 1976 home series against West Indies that they subsequently lost 0-3.
"We wanted India 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 well come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening," Conrad said after end of day’s play, explaining why the tourists batted for nearly 80 overs even after acquiring a sizeable lead.
Asked if their delayed declaration could result in India forcing a draw, Conrad said they considered several factors before setting a mammoth target.
"There were a few factors. We obviously were looking at how best we are going to use the new ball, so that in the morning we still get a newish, hard ball," he said.
"We felt that when the shadows come across the pitch 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 (with hard ball).
"And then obviously we wanted India to spend as much time on their feet out in the field."
Conrad is aware that questions would be asked if India save the game and as they bat till number eight, they won’t give in without a fight.
"So far so good but we also know they are just not going to roll over. We have to be at our very best tomorrow but those are the factors that we considered here,” he said.
"Some people would say you batted for too long. I don't think it is. I don't think there's a right and a wrong in anything. We wanted India to come out again after that second break and again spend time on their feet."
