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Will try to win, onus now on batsmen: Kirsten
India coach Gary Kirsten believes his team can still win the first Test against South Africa and said the onus is now on the batsmen to bring the home side back into the match.
India coach Gary Kirsten believes his team can still win the first Test against South Africa and said the onus is now on the batsmen to bring the home side back into the match.
In reply to South Africa's massive first innings total of 558 for six declared, India were 25 for no loss after the second day's play.
Kirsten said the Indians should bat themselves back into the contention on Monday.
"We certainly will give the best shot to win the game. We need to bat well. That's going to be very important," Kirsten said.
"There is lot of work to do on the batting side. A couple of guys have to apply themselves and get big scores on board. We know we are capable of doing that. It's a big day from the batting perspective tomorrow," said the South African at the end of the second day's play.
India's task would be even more difficult since the middle order is missing injured veterans Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman but Kirsten seemed to have enough trust in the ability of young substitutes S Badrinath and Murali Vijay.
"(In Dravid and Laxman) you got two batsmen who have played over 100 Tests each and obviously you are going to miss their experience. But I think it's a great opportunity for the likes of Vijay and Badrinath to do something. They are quality players. It's a great opportunity what they can manage against a top-ranked international team," Kirsten said.
