After getting all out for 174 runs in the second innings of the first Test, Team India successfully dismissed 4 batsmen of the host. But, India’s batting order came under the scanner after yet another poor show. However, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour has backed Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane after their rough patch in the Test as well.
While Rahane scored 48 and 20 in the first Test against South Africa, Pujara fell for a duck before scoring 16 in the second innings as well.
“As far as Pujara and Rahane are concerned, they are trying their best, they are giving their best. Rahane was in really good touch but unfortunately, he got out, so has Pujara,” said Vikram Rathour in the press conference after the end of Day four’s play.
“Pujara in past has played some important innings for us, you see these are challenging conditions, not many people have scored runs here. We need to be patient as long as they are trying their best, giving their best as coaching unit we are fine. Are we getting impatient? Not at this stage, I think,” he further added.
“We still need to bowl in the right areas” – Vikram Rathour
Meanwhile, Team India need six wickets to win the first Test against South Africa as the match will be decided on the final day in Centurion. And, Team India’s batting coach wants bowlers to bowl at the same length to trouble the visitors.
“This Test cricket, nothing is easy I feel, we still need to bowl well, we still need to bowl in the right areas. The way we bowled today, if we keep hitting those lengths consistently we will create lots of opportunities,” again shared Vikram Rathour.
Before the stumps, South Africa managed to post 94/4 with 211 runs more needed to win. They have six wickets in hand as well. For South Africa, Dean Elgar is currently unbeaten in the middle with a fifty.
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