South Africa captain Faf du Plessis is desperate to see his batsmen show more resolve than they have and pile on a huge total in the first innings of the third Test against India, beginning on Saturday (October 19) in Ranchi.
After a strong fight in the first innings of the first Test, the visitors have not once in three innings managed to go past the 300-run mark and subsequently find themselves 2-0 down in three-match series following heavy defeats in Vizag and Pune.
"We need to put big runs on the board in the first innings," Du Plessis told reporters on Thursday.
"When you get runs in the first innings anything from there is possible. For us first innings runs will be vital and then anything could happen in the second innings."
South Africa must also be very disappointed with the lack of wickets for their fast bowlers, especially Kagiso Rabada, failing to generate the amount of reverse swing their Indian counterparts have done.
"It is really important that you prepare as much as you can and make it as tough as possible," Du Plessis added.
"I think wicket will spin, I looked at the pitch and it looks dry and hard. So I think reverse swing and spin will play a factor in this Test match."
The Proteas are bound to make a couple of changes to their line-up with injuries to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and opener Aiden Markram ruling them out for the last game of the tour.
The Test in Ranchi is far from a dead-rubber as there are 40 points up for grabs which will count towards standings in the inaugural World Test Championship.
(Inputs from IANS)
