Proteas batters ‘can’t be reckless’, but need a positive mindset

THE Proteas batters will need to be decisive as they face up to the prospect of a relentless Indian attack on a tricky Wanderers surface today.

South Africa still need 122 runs to win the second Test and tie the series, while for the visitors, the task is to get eight more wickets to become the first Indian team to win a Test series in this country.

Neither task will be easy, although the tourists start as slight favourites, given the nature of the surface, which is still offering plenty for the seamers, while yesterday, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin got a couple of deliveries to spin and bounce spitefully.

“It won’t be an easy task, but we believe that we can chase this down,” Proteas batting consultant Justin Sammon said after the close of play yesterday.

“Their attack has been pretty relentless throughout the series so far, and the pitch has been tricky.”

South Africa will resume today on 118/2, with skipper Dean Elgar on 46 and Rassie van der Dussen on 11.

Sammon, who was appointed before the T20 World Cup in October and will remain with the team for the rest of the summer, said the home side’s batters needed to strike a balance between attack and defence.

“We spoke about the need to be decisive coming into these two Tests on the Highveld, knowing that any tentativeness will see you found out quickly, especially at the Wanderers,” he added.

While Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara adopted a positive approach in their 111-run thirdwicket stand, and Aiden Markram followed suit in scoring 31, Sammon explained that a balanced approach to batting was key on this surface.

“You can’t be reckless. You’ve got to stay with a plan that you know will give you your best chance of success, and not every type of shot does that on this type of wicket.

“So, in every shot, there has to be an element of discipline, but obviously balanced with a positive mindset and looking to dominate balls that are in our areas.”

Elgar, not one for fluency, is absolutely vital, and the home team will want him to be the rock around which their fourth-day chase happens. “Having somebody there to bat through the rest of the innings will be key,” said Sammon.

“That allows partnerships to be formed, and just having someone with his character there will help the guys who are coming in to bat. His leadership will be key in getting us over the line tomorrow.”