South Africa coach Shukri Conrad says their late declaration on Day 4 was a deliberate move to stretch India mentally and physically before unleashing the new ball under difficult evening conditions.
“We obviously looked at how best we were going to use the new ball so that in the morning we still want a newish, hardish ball,” Conrad said after setting India 549.
“When the shadows come across the wicket in the evening, there’s something in it for the quick bowlers. We didn’t want to declare too early and not be able to use that.”
He said South Africa’s plan was to keep India in the field for as long as possible and make them feel the weight of two days’ bowling in the first innings.
“We wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field. We wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase. Bat them completely out of the game, and then say to them Well, survive on the last day and an hour this evening.”
Criticism that South Africa batted too long didn’t concern him.
“I don’t think there’s a right and a wrong in anything,” he said. “If tomorrow evening we have them eight down and people say see, I told you so, well, we’ve got to base it on our sound judgement. If that doesn’t work out, well, it doesn’t.”
Conrad said they expected India to fight on the final day despite ending Day 4 on 27-2, still 522 behind.
“We know they’re not just going to roll over. We’re going to have to be at our very best in the morning.”
He believes South Africa’s preparation for this series, including work done before Pakistan, has allowed them to dictate terms.
“For the first time, we’ve thrown our weight behind spin bowlers as well. We’ve got quality spinners that can mix it with the best in the world. I think we’ve got the balance of our side right,” he said.
But the core of his message remained the same: the declaration was an investment in cumulative pressure.
“We wanted India to come out again after lunch or tea and again spend time on their feet. It was never going to be easy for the opening batters this evening. New ball, shadows across the wicket, we felt we could have struck there.”
Conrad made it clear that South Africa will push for a 2-0 sweep on the final day.
“I’d like to think the series is secured, I’d like to think that,” he said. “But we’re going to go all out for the win. Hopefully, Marco and the spinners can do the job tomorrow.”