Proteas wanted India to ‘grovel’, coach Conrad explains long batting

South Africa's decision to bat deep into the fourth day of the second Test against India was a calculated move, according to coach Shukri Conrad. 

After setting India a colossal target of 549, the Proteas declared on 260-5 late on Tuesday following Tristan Stubbs' 94, leaving the hosts tottering at 27-2 and on the verge of a series defeat.

When asked why South Africa had batted for so long despite a massive lead, Conrad was candid. "We wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steer afraid, bat them completely out of the game, and then say to them: survive on the last day and an hour this evening," he explained.

Conrad's use of the word "grovel" harkens back to cricket history, reminiscent of England's Tony Greig, who famously declared in 1976 that he wanted the West Indies to "grovel" — a statement that had infuriated the Caribbean side and led to a 3-0 whitewash of England in a five-match series.

The Proteas coach also cited tactical reasons behind the extended batting. "We obviously looked at how best we were going to use the new ball, so in the morning we still wanted a newish, hardish ball because we felt that when the shadows come across the wicket in the evening, there's something in it for the quick bowlers. So we didn't want to declare too early and not be able to use that," Conrad added.

South Africa's approach was clear: exhaust India physically and mentally, leaving the hosts with little chance to recover. The strategy has so far worked, as India now face a daunting task of scoring 522 runs with just eight wickets in hand to salvage the series.

"Even so, we know they're not just going to roll over," Conrad warned. "We're going to have to be at our very best tomorrow."

With the Proteas leading the two-match series 1-0, even a draw in Guwahati would secure South Africa their first series win in India since 2000, underlining the significance of their measured, punishing approach at the crease.