South Africa national cricket team head coach Shukri Conrad is on cloud nine as his team is just eight wickets away from creating history on Indian soil. The Proteas are on the verge of winning their first Test series in India after 15 years.
South Africa’s only Test series win in India was in 1999/2000 when they won both Tests and had a memorable 2–0 clean sweep on Indian soil. Now Temba Bavuma and his team are ready to register their name in the record books by winning their second Test series in India.
South Africa is just eight wickets away from a historic Test series win in India
While defending the mammoth target of 549 runs, the Proteas team has already dismissed Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul cheaply on the fourth day at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Now, they need just eight wickets to create history by winning the second and final Test against India.
Also Read: “If we save the game, it will be as good as winning” – Ravindra Jadeja reveals India’s strategy in Guwahati Test
The Indian cricket team still needs 522 runs to level the two-match Test series against South Africa and that is now out of reach on the final day. However, they may struggle for a draw but the way they are batting, that too seems impossible and the Proteas camp is already considering them as winners.
The touring team has already won the first Test against India at the Eden Gardens by 30 runs, and will be looking to lift the Freedom Trophy as quickly as possible when they take the field on day five. After the end of the fourth day’s play, Shukri Conrad said that her team has put India under pressure and the series looks completely safe for them.
We wanted India to really groan: Shukri Conrad
The South African head coach also praised his spinners, especially Simon Harmer, calling them one of the best spin attacks in the world. The coach also gave credit to the preparation of the Proteas team for its strong performance in the ongoing two-match Test series in India.
Shukri Conrad at the post-day press conference in Guwahati (quoted by RevSportz): “We wanted them (India) to really step up. I think the series is safe. The preparation has been really good. We have quality spinners who can be one of the best in the world.”
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his struggle like Rohit Sharma, became Marco Johnson’s bunny
Conrad also mentioned that South Africa’s impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Test in Rawalpindi boosted the team’s confidence. Even the Proteas coach feels his players are now better prepared to handle subcontinent conditions.
Shukri Conrad credits Proteas dominance in India to Pakistan tour
He signed off by saying, “The win in the second Test in Pakistan has given us a lot of confidence. I think we can be a little better in these conditions.”
It is noteworthy that before the tour of India, the South African team had leveled the Test series in Pakistan. They started the match with a strong score of 404 runs in the first innings thanks to Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89, Tristan Stubbs’ 76 and Kagiso Rabada’s quick 71 runs.
However, Pakistan bounced back with 333 runs, but Keshav Maharaj was the standout in their line-up with figures of seven for 102. In the second innings, South Africa chased down the target with ease to begin their World Test Championship title defense with a resounding win in Rawalpindi.
