SA batting was a surprise: Umesh Yadav

Pacer Umesh Yadav said India “had not expected such a fight back” from the opponents and wicket-taking was not easy.

“It was a surprise,” Yadav saying referring to the Proteas’ time-consuming tactics. “We never thought that they will play like this. The way they are defending is a surprise as they are not even trying to play a shot.

“Bowling becomes a challenge under such circumstance and there is less chance to get a batsman out. They were blocking us out.” He, however, was confident that India would be able to bowl the opposition out on the morrow.

“This kind of cricket can get boring, because you just are bowling over after over and nothing much happens. But yes, there is pressure on them and that’s the reason they are blocking everything and trying to stretch this game. We will look to dismiss them as quickly as possible tomorrow.”

In hindsight, India might have to assess their delay in declaring the innings – South Africa have a victory target of 481 – but Yadav said the team wanted to be in a comfortable position. “We wanted to score runs and reach a comfortable position first and then look to attack. We still have time and I think it is difficult for teams to go on to bat like this for another three sessions.

“We had our chances today, be it catches or otherwise, and the pitch might also offer more turn on the last day. We are hopeful of wrapping it up tomorrow,” he said.