We’ll look to score quick: Viru

Friday March 28, 01:13 AM

Chennai, March 27: Virender Sehwag is confident that India can challenge South Africa with a big score though the hosts are still 438 runs behind the visitors’ first innings total after teh second day of the first Test here on Thursday. Sehwag, who remained unbeaten on 52, said India’s aim was not to concede a first innings lead.

"We will try to bat for two more days and put them in on the final day. Batting will not be easy on the fifth day. Everyone knows that the Chennai wicket aids spinners towards the end. So Harbhajan and Kumble will be a handful for any team," he added.

The opener said the Indian bowlers were made to work hard in oppressive conditions. "It is not an easy wicket to bowl on. We had to be patient as the pitch was flat. I think our spinners deserve a special praise for their efforts. We tried to get South Africa out as early as possible but they batted well to post a big score," he added.

The Delhi star said India were always strong at home. "Whether the wicket is good or bad, we are confident of doing well because we have grown up on these wickets. We will be looking to score quick runs on Friday," Sehwag added.

Sehwag also backed his opening partner when asked about Wasim Jaffer’s poor form Down Under. "You should not judge a player after one bad series. He already has two double hundreds out of his five Test tons. We have got a good opener after a long time. It’s not right for the critics to go after him. I am sure he will play a big innings tomorrow," he added.

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