SA vs IND 2018: We have been very specific about our training against spin: Andile Phehlukwayo

The fifth ODI will be played today in Port Elizabeth.

The Indian spin duo was ineffective in the Pink ODI. (Express)

Andile Phehlukwayo scored 23 off 5 balls as he stroked South Africa through to a win in the Pink ODI in Johannesburg. The South African batsmen looked more assured against spin and it was very visible in the way they attacked the spinners. The Protean batsmen took 68 off Chahal and 51 off Kuldeep totally dismantling their confidence in the contest. 

After the match in the post-match interaction,  Phehlukwayo sounded confident of the way they played the Indian spinners.  “We have a good momentum now from the last game we played. We have come really far that victory because the guys have been working really hard in the nets and we have been very specific about our training (against spin),” said Phehlukwayo.

“(In the last game) We were looking to be positive now. We got into good positions and tried to pick the ball, watch the ball and played really straight,” he added. 

The Port Elizabeth pitch looked brownish on Monday much like the one in Durban. This means that it will possibly assist the spinners much like it did in the first 3 games. 

"We have been doing good analysis and have good game plans. Obviously, the conditions were different (at Wanderers). So it’s a game plan that we have had in our change room, to be really positive, look to score and get into good positions. “You don't want to worry too much about what they do but what you do as a team. Once again it's a new game. So you just want to take the new stuff and back yourself. When I say change in game plan, I am also being specific about mentally.We know about the wicket, its home conditions and we know how to go about it," said Phehlukwayo.

Talking about the match wicket, he said, “We train really specifically. Guys know their individual game plans and what they need to do. I think the most important thing when you are batting is to watch the ball and try executing our game plan.”

The South African pacer also pressed on the fact to expose the Indian middle order in the fourth ODI. The middle order was tested in the third ODI as well after India lost the wickets of Dhawan and Kohli in quick succession. Thanks to MS Dhoni's unbeaten 42 which helped India reach a good score at the end. 

“If you take game by game, obviously they've been batting really well. It would be really nice to expose their middle order and hopefully see what they can do. At the same time we don't want to really look too forward" said Phehlukwayo. 

He also pointed out of the South African team being in complete confidence going into the fifth ODI. “The Proteas’ setup is really positive. We've got a good fighting spirit a good culture. It's never done and out. We're always looking to fight back. We really are encouraging around the change room. And as I said, we weren't far away from a victory,” he added.

On his role with the bat in the previous match, the South African pacer concluded by saying  “It is a left-hand right-hand thing. If David Miller gets out, I'm a left-hander so I had to go out to keep the combination. I was told to look be really positive, watch the ball and execute my game plans". 
 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 13 Feb, 2018

    Share Via