India are ahead at the moment, says Arthur |
|
Sunday April 13, 12:02 AM
Kanpur, April 12: Saturday’s proceedings turned out to an engrossing battle between bat and ball. The Kanpur Test is tantalisingly poised with the Indians having achieved the first task of overhauling South Africa’s total, but the visitors’ coach Mickey Arthur feels the hosts hold a slight edge. Excerpts from a post-match chat:
On the match situation: In the context of the game, Laxman and Sourav’s innings stand out. The important thing was India were able to string together three 50-run partnerships on a pitch where you can lose wickets in a bunch. India are ahead at the moment, but only slightly.
On Harris’s performance: Harris bowled some wicket-taking balls. On another day he could have picked up five, some of his balls were near misses. He’s growing in leaps and bounds, but he’s still young in Test cricket. We expect Harris to bowl lots of over and block one end up.
On the pitch: It’s underprepared, but I’m not against it. Every country plays to their strength and India have done the same. We too would have left grass on the pitch if we were in their situation, we would have played to our strength.
We expected India to prepare a wicket like this. In a funny sort of way the surface like this will provide a very exciting result. But Ahmedabad was a perfect cricket track. It had a little bit of juice for the bowlers in the first two hours.
On South Africa’s prospects: We can’t let the lead to go over 40 or 50 runs. We have to bat really well and any total over 150 or 160 will be tough to chase.
|
More Cricket News
Akmal and Butt punish Bangladesh in 3rd ODISouth Africa's Graeme Smith blames mistakes for India defeatIndia rout South Africa to level seriesDhoni hails bowlers after India square seriesIndia rip through South Africa, close in on victoryIndia v South Africa scoreboardSehwag strikes leave South Africa reelingIndia gain control with two early wicketsIndia v South Africa third test scoreboardLast pair earn India 60-run lead over South Africa
