Cape Town, Jan 2: Centurion Wasim Jaffer admitted that he was under immense pressure when he came out to bat in the third Test here today but was glad that he could keep the faith the team management had reposed in him even after a poor batting show earlier.
"I was under immense pressure to hold on to my place as I didn't have enough runs on the tour but I am grateful to the team management who stuck by me," said an impassive Jaffer after his 116 had given the team a head start after the first day's play against South Africa.
Jaffer admitted he was not sure if he would be in the playing 11 by the time he went to bed on the eve of the match.
"I was in the 12 so that was in a way encouraging but I was told only this morning that I would be playing the match," remarked Jaffer. Jaffer had only words of praise for his partner Dinesh Kaarthick who had not batted enough in the series but did a commendable job when asked to open the innings.
He said he shared good vibes with Kaarthick and it helped. "We are good friends and I have come to know him well since we sit next to each other in the team bus," he said. The pitch would surely encourage Indian cricket fans to look forward to the rest of the match, Jaffer observed. "It's an Indian kind of wicket. It's dry and there is a patch which I feel would be very useful for Anil Kumble." Even though he had not scored many runs in the series, Jaffer was happy with his form in Durban where he scored two scores in the 20s.
"I spent some time at the crease in Durban but there was a lapse of confidence which made me lose my wicket. I was determined not to repeat the mistake here," he said. Terming the wicket in the centre as one in favour of batsmen, Jaffer hoped the rest of the batting line-up will make it count on the second day. "We would look to bat as much as possible and capitalise on the start." South African coach Mickey Arthur admitted he was a bit surprised by the wicket and said "it wasn't the kind of track which his side had wanted. Yes there is a patch but I remember it's similar to what it was against New Zealand last year and it hadn't deteriorated then. I hope it's the same this time," he said.
Arthur was happy with the bowling performance of his team and felt they had bowled with a fair discipline. "We want the new ball to work for us tomorrow morning," said Arthur, adding that "we would be happy if we can restrict them to 380." "But we would have to bat really well and I think the first innings is going to be crucial for us in this game," Arthur said. Despite the good start by the Indians, his side would go for win in the game, he said. "We would like to play aggressively and look for a win. We certainly won't hang around," Arthur said.
(Agencies)
Cape Town, Jan 2: Centurion Wasim Jaffer admitted that he was under immense pressure when he came out to bat in the third Test here today but was glad that he could keep the faith the team management had reposed in him even after a poor batting show earlier.
