The pitch was favoring Indian spinners and seamers on day 4, says Dean Elgar

After setting India a target of 287 to win the 2nd Test, South Africa then removed Indian openers and then first inning centurion Virat Kohli to stand very close to the victory. Indians are currently reeling with the scorecard reading 35 for 3 and they still needing 252 runs to win the game.

Dean Elgar, the South African opener after the end of the 4, said that the wicket was favouring Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as well as the seamers who carry the experience of bowling on similar pitches at home. They did bowl well in the later part of the innings but initially let Elgar and AB de Villiers take control of the proceedings.

Elgar who played a fighting knock of 61 runs and combined for a brilliant 141-run stand with de Villiers felt that it was a great day for the hosts. He also said that it was not easy out there with conditions suiting Indian bowlers.

On the third day, Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin was asking a lot of questions with the ball and bowled some rippers but the duo stood the test and collected themselves again to remain put. Two early wickets put South Africa in a difficult situation but Elgar and de Villiers managed to pull them out of the trouble with their stand.

“We were in quite a lot of trouble yesterday (Monday) when AB and I got together, and we knew we had to find a way and grind it out,” he further added.

Virat’s wicket a massive one

Calling Indian skipper’s wicket massive Elgar said, “He’s a very special batsman as we saw in the first innings and we knew it was a massive moment to get him out. I am sitting here with a smile on my face knowing there is one less very competitive, very talented guy that we don’t have to deal with,” he said.

He also mentioned that they will try to get the remaining 7 wickets soon and that their seamers along with spinner Keshav Maharaj will enjoy bowling on the track.

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