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‘We Wanted Them To Really Grovel’: Conrad Explains SA’s Ruthless Declaration Strategy As Proteas Eye Historic Series Win
South Africa: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad gave an honest and striking explanation for his team's late declaration: they wanted India to "spend as much time on their feet" as possible and be forced into a long, exhausting chase in the waning light. An hour into the final session, the Proteas declared after extending their second-innings lead to 548, leaving India with a near-impossible target and just 15.5 overs left before stumps on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test. South Africa have not won a Test series in India since 2000.
Conrad used the famous "grovel" comment made by former England captain Tony Greig during the 1976 series against the West Indies to support the strategy. Although this comment inspired the Caribbean team, it was used here to explain South Africa's choice.
“And then, obviously, 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 the game, and then say to them ‘Come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening,’” Conrad said after play. “So, so far so good, but we also know that they're not just going to roll over, we're going to have to be at our very best in the morning.”
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