Home
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate feels that the Guwahati pitch is "attritional" for Test cricket. He went on to compare the pitches of the first and second Test and remarked that the track at the Barsapara stadium is not lifeless. He also revealed that he had a conversation with South Africa's Tristan Stubbs, who told him that it was hard to score runs on the surface.
"Massive contrast from the Kolkata pitch. We expected a lifeless wicket but I heard Tristan Stubbs say it was tough to score runs. It was good, attritional Test cricket," ten Doeschate said at the post-day press-conference.
Ten Doeschate also praised the team for pulling things back in their favour just when it looked like the game was slipping away from them. Notably, the Men in Blue managed to get key breakthroughs throughout the day and broke developing partnerships to ensure that South Africa weren't able to go past the 300-run mark on Day 1 even though they looked set to do so at one stage.
"We stuck at it brilliantly. When the game was slipping away, we managed to pull things back. It makes it an even day. First innings runs will be important as it will become difficult as the Test progresses," ten Doescahte said.
Batting order set to be shuffled
The India coach also revealed that there will be some changes in the batting order and stated that they have already decided as to who will come out to bat on No.4. However, he didn't take the player's name and maintained suspense on the matter. With Shubman Gill not participating in the match due to a neck injury, it remains to be seen as to who will come out to bat in his place on No.4.
"We are certain on who will bat at No.4. Player has been informed. We talk about players who are versatile and they can bat in any position. There will be a shuffle in the batting order," ten Doeschate further stated.
Match evenly poised so far
Meanwhile, South Africa finished the first day on 247/6 with Senuran Muthusamy unbeaten on 25 and Kyle Verreynne batting on 1. They will be hoping to atleast cross the 300-run mark on Day 2 as they still have a bit of batting left with Marco Jansen yet to come. On the other hand, India will be in the hunt for early wickets and they will be looking to restrict the visitors to as low of a total as they can.
ADVERTISEMENT
