India surprised by SA's approach, says Yadav

 India fast bowler Umesh Yadav said they were surprised by South Africa’s defensive approach in the second innings and felt it would be difficult for the visitors to survive with this strategy on the final day on Monday.

South Africa scored 72 for 2 from 72 overs on Sunday and trail by 408 runs going into the last day of the fourth Test of the series, which they have already lost 0-2.

“Yes it’s a surprise as we did not think they would play like this. They are not even trying to play a shot. Even the deliveries from which they can score are being defended,” Yadav said.

“It becomes a challenge when a batsman does not play a shot as chances of getting a player out decreases. When a batsman doesn’t take any initiative then even if you bowl a good delivery, he will just block it out. I can tell you this kind of cricket can be very boring, because you are bowling over after over and nothing is happening.

“It becomes so boring that you start thinking as to whether something will happen or not.”

Yadav said they would be looking to make the most of the morning session to have a crack at victory.

“There is pressure on them and that’s the reason they are blocking everything and trying to stretch this game. Our first target tomorrow morning will be to dismiss them as quickly as possible,” he said.

“If you see any pitch, after third or fourth day, it starts getting slower and slower. You don’t get the desirable pace or bounce from the wicket even when you bowl a bouncer.

“Hopefully, we can have some other strategy tomorrow. They have been beaten on occasions, they have provided catches. It is difficult to defend and pass the whole day, they have to play shots.”

 South Africa’ Temba Bavuma, however, hoped they would be able to carry in the same vein on Monday and enforce a draw.

“We’ve managed to sustain the pressure that they put on us. In fairness, this wicket was better than all the other three wickets. We’ve managed to hold them back,” he said.

“It’s a tough ask, asking the guys to bat out 90 overs. It will be day five, so you’re expecting the wicket to deteriorate even more.

“But we have the experience and we have the skill. Whatever happens we’ll be going down fighting. Hashim has laid down his mark. AB’s also there and we still have Faf and Dane Vilas. So we’ll definitely be carrying the spirit into tomorrow and trying our best to try and salvage a draw out of this game.”