South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad created a stir during the second Test in Guwahati after openly revealing the mindset behind his team’s declaration. According to Conrad, the Proteas deliberately pushed India into an uncomfortable position by setting an enormous fourth-innings target.
He stated that “We wanted India to grovel”, a direct lift from Tony Greig’s controversial 1976 remark. Conrad admitted he was “stealing a phrase”, but insisted it reflected the aggressive and unapologetic intent South Africa carried into the Test.
He explained that the decision to stretch the innings and pile on more runs wasn’t random—it was a calculated attempt to extend India’s time under the sun, drain their energy and force them into a physically demanding chase. By keeping India on the field longer, the South African camp hoped the pressure would transfer directly onto the batters later in the match.
Timing the Declaration Around Conditions
Conrad further elaborated that the declaration was influenced not just by scoreboard pressure, but also by environmental conditions. The Proteas coaching staff carefully observed the late-evening shadows creeping across the surface, believing their pace attack would benefit from the change in light and angles. According to him, the new ball retained enough hardness to generate movement, and the fading light could disrupt the Indian top order.
He admitted that some observers might argue the declaration came too late, but maintained that the team intentionally pushed ahead to maximize every advantage. Their goal was to keep India “on their feet for as long as possible” and then unleash their fast bowlers in a period where the pitch and visibility made batting tougher.
Controversy Around the “Grovel” Remark
Conrad’s choice of words sparked immediate attention because of the phrase’s historical weight. “Grovel” is associated with a notorious comment made by Tony Greig during an England–West Indies series in the 1970s, a phrase widely criticized for its racial and colonial undertones. Conrad acknowledged this background by saying he was deliberately “stealing a phrase” but emphasized it was meant purely in a competitive sporting sense.
The coach reiterated that while strategies can always be questioned, the Proteas wanted to assert dominance, stretch India mentally and physically, and seize control of the Test. Whether the delayed declaration would ultimately be judged as brilliant or flawed, Conrad stood by the thinking: set a massive target, exploit evening conditions, and make India earn every run—right from the start.
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