SA vs IND 2018: Ottis Gibson says Indians have utilized the Johannesburg conditions more than the hosts

South Africa need 224 runs to whitewash Virat Kohli and his Team in the Freedom Series.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Getty Images

Ottis Gibson –Head coach of the South African side, on Friday, said India had the upper hand since the first day of the final Test, as well as, they have utilized the conditions more than the hosts at the bowler-friendly Johannesburg pitch.

Even though the New Wanderers Stadium’s track is assisting bowlers more, Indian batters gave the tough fight to the hosts, as they have bowled out at 247, while the Proteas, who finished the Day 3 at 17/1, need 224 runs to whitewash Virat Kohli and his Team in the Freedom Series.

Maybe, it could be a big challenge for the South Africa at the uneven and excessive bounce and seam movement at the Wanderers, but Gibson is still looking at the positive side, saying they “will not opt out and want to play the game.”

As per IANS, Gibson told reporters after Day 3 play in Johannesburg, “India over the course of the three days have utilized the conditions a lot more. We've bowled wider than we should have. They've had the upper hand since the first day.”

On being asked if he felt this pitch looked excessive, Gibson signed off by saying, “Not really. I've played here before on a wicket that looked similar with the grass on. I think both teams thought it was a good pitch. It was cut down to 5mm. I don't think we expected it to behave in the way it did.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 27 Jan, 2018

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