Yadav: SA will crumble on day five
India paceman Umesh Yadav admits that he was surprised by the way South Africa batted in the second innings of the fourth Test in Delhi on Sunday, but predicts that the visitors will crumble to defeat on day five.
The Proteas defended resolutely to be 72 for two, off 72 overs, at stumps on day four, still requirng an unlikely 409 runs to win on the final day.
The visitors captain led the defiance with an unbeaten 23 off 207 balls while Ab de Villiers, on 11 from 91 balls, will resume on the final day with his skipper, while opener Temba Bavuma took 117 deliveries to score 34.
India are still favourites to win the contest and win the series three-nil but the Proteas are at least putting up more of a fight than in the previous matches in the series.
Yadav told reporters: "It was a surprise. We did not expect them to play like this. The way they defended, it was truly a surprise. They were not playing shots and defending every ball, even the ones that could be scored of.
"It becomes more challenging when batsman is not looking to play his shots. It reduces wicket-taking chances. This type of cricket gets boring. You send down ball after ball, and nothing happens.
"They are under pressure and they are naturally blocking to play as long as possible. It's difficult to bat out the whole day just defending like that. I don't think we should have problem, we have enough time to bowl them out."
Latest
-
NewsProteas issue statement on Black Lives Matter stance
The Proteas have affirmed their commitment to being anti-racist but will not kneel.
-
NewsEngland’s ‘frightening’ batting options mean the heat is always on – Jason Roy
Roy insists the competition for his role as opener will not affect the way he plays.
-
NewsJoe Root named on shortlist for ICC cricketer of the decade
Award winners will be announced in December.
-
NewsBatting strength has England in strong position for T20 World Cup – Jason Roy
Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are among the options at the top of the order.
-
NewsICC elect Greg Barclay as new chairman
New Zealander Greg Barclay assumes the wheel at the ICC.
-
NewsSilverwood unlikely to try Stokes-Buttler IPL job swap for England
Ben Stokes was promoted to the top of the order and Jos Buttler slotted in down at number five for Rajasthan Royals recently.
-
NewsRassie upbeat ahead of T20 series despite contrasting build-ups
South Africa have not played together since March while England had a full international programme over the summer.
-
NewsTendulkar suggests plan to stifle Smith
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has offered some advice to India’s bowlers on how to deal with Australia’s star batsman Steven Smith.
-
NewsIndia suffer double blow as Rohit and Ishant ruled out
India will have to do without the services of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma during the first two Tests against Australia.
-
NewsSam Curran stars as England get creative in internal T20 practice match in Paarl
Jos Buttler’s XI coasted to victory over Eoin Morgan’s team, with a second target then hastily set to gain more practice time.