Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja pinpointed the changing nature of pitch and scoreboard pressure in front of India at the end of Day 4 of the second Test in Guwahati as the hosts look to avoid a cleansweep against the Proteas.
South Africa gave a massive target of 549 against India as they target their first-ever Test cleansweep on Indian soil. India ended Day 4 with 27 runs at the loss of two wickets, leaving 522 runs to chase on Day 5.
“The ball had started turning slightly when we were bowling. But the thing is, they were already in a good situation,” Jadeja told reporters at the end of Day 4. “They had such a big lead from the first innings, so they didn’t have any panic thoughts like, ‘Okay, it’s turning.’ Not much. But since tomorrow is Day 5, the ball will turn more, it will bounce more — that is expected.”
Jadeja also talked about India’s approach on Day 5, saying that the team must stay patient if they hope to save the Test. “We will have to play well, session by session,” Jadeja said. “If we start well tomorrow and don’t give wickets in the first session, then obviously even the bowlers feel pressure that they have to get us out. And for us, that will be a win-win situation. If we play through the whole day tomorrow, then for us, it will be as good as a win.”
Jadeja scalped two wickets in the first inning, and four in the second innings. Though it will be his batting, which India will require on Day 5.
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