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
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.