India can chase a target around 270-280 : Michael Holding

The ongoing Centurion Test between India and South Africa has been an exciting contest so far. The momentum has been switching constantly with both sides not willing to give up. The hosts attained a 28 run lead in the first innings. With South Africa effectively 173/5 at lunch, Michael Holding felt that India would fancy chasing anything around 270-280. With the current lead above 200 already, the West Indies great felt that the conditions wouldn’t be easy for both the teams.

Getting rid of Elgar and De Villiers brought back India in the game

For a moment, it seemed that the duo of Elgar and De Villiers had taken away the game for India. However, both got out in quick succession before lunch as Mohammed Shami delivered. Holding remarked that those wickets helped India bounce back in the match.

“Well, if I was in the Indian dressing room, I won’t be displeased with what has happened so far. Getting rid of Dean Elgar and AB De Villiers has certainly got India back into this test match.” Michael Holding told ESPNCricinfo.

The former West Indian great mentioned that the conditions weren’t easy for bowling as well. He indicated that while scoring runs is difficult, so was containing the opposition.

“I don’t think wickets will tumble here. I don’t think India will get these last few wickets quickly. To score runs out there is difficult but at the same time it’s not easy to get wickets. With whatever target India need, they will need time to chase that.”

The lead is already above 200 with five wickets still intact for the Proteas. Commentator Michael Holding reckoned that India wouldn’t mind chasing anything around 270-280 runs.

“Looking at how deep the Indian batting goes, they’ll probably stand a chance chasing a target in the range of 270-280.” Holding told ESPN Cricinfo.