Ten Doeschate Highlights Strategy, Mentality For India To Save Ongoing Test

India will aim to save the ongoing second Test against South Africa, drawing inspiration from their resilient draw. The draw against England at Manchester earlier this year motivates the team, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said.

Chasing 549, India lost openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal on day four, facing a tough series challenge.

“That’s the blueprint for saving a game. There’s going to be a lot of important factors today. I think the mentality is going to be top of that list. We’ve seen where the threat is from mainly in the first four days, obviously Jansen’s bounce and the ball does spin. So the technical and tactical part of it’s there, but I think mostly the mentality of the players today is going to be the most important aspect we bring,” said ten Doeschate to broadcasters ahead of day five’s play.

Asked on the chatter in the team ahead of day five’s play, Doeschate said, “It’s been brutal. South Africa have been very good and we’re miles behind the game. But somehow we’ve managed to get an opportunity to save the game and the fifth day is going to be crucial in securing a draw.”

When asked why India fell behind in the game, ten Doeschate responded, “I think a variety of factors. I think South Africa have played it perfectly getting to this position. Obviously the toss is important. They batted superbly well for two days. I thought we bowled well for two days, but couldn’t bowl them out. Then unfortunately a below par batting performance in the first innings now means we have all the work to do on the fifth day.

Ten Doeschate said Indian batters can avoid defeat today if they concentrate, apply themselves, and handle the challenging conditions carefully. He added that the pitch stays hard, the ball turns more in the morning, and the team must survive the opening hour.

Also Read: South Africa Set Mammoth 549-Run Target As Stubbs Stars In Dominant Day 4 Display