Smith backs decision to apply breaks on epic pursuit

ODD DECISION: Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn opted to bat out for the draw with India instead of chasing a world record. PHOTO: AFP

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa skipper Graeme Smith defended the controversial decision to abandon his team’s epic pursuit of a world record score and settle for a tense first Test draw against India.

South Africa needed just 16 runs off the final three overs with three wickets remaining as they chased down 458 to win the opening match at the Wanderers.

But when top-scorer Faf du Plessis was run out off the fifth ball of the 133rd over, having hit a majestic 134, the batsmen in the middle – Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn – opted to bat out for the draw.

The next two overs were maidens and even though eight came off the last over, including a six by Steyn off the final ball, it was too little, too late.

“Ultimately the guys out in the middle made the decision that they thought was in the best interests of the team,” said Smith of a decision greeted by boos from the home crowd.

Smith said it was the best option with only the injured Morne Morkel and number 11 Imran Tahir left to bat.

“With Morne struggling to stand and with no ability to run between the wickets and with Imran you’re not too sure what you are going to get. “

“We as a team have to support the decision that Dale and Vernon made in the middle,” said Smith after his side reached 450 for seven at the close.

“With two overs to go, and one Test match to go with an opportunity to win the series in Durban, we have to be 100% committed to the decision.”

The world record for a successful run chase remains the 418 for seven by West Indies against Australia in St John’s in 2002-03.

Philander reaches top of Test rankings

After the result of the first Test against India, Philander reached the top of ICC Test rankings.

He entered the match trailing team-mate Dale Steyn by four ratings points. While Philander recorded figures of four for 61 and three for 68, Steyn managed just one wicket. The contrasting performances resulted in the pace bowler gaining 13 ratings points and Steyn conceding the same number of points.

This means Philander now leads Steyn by 22 ratings points and the 28-year-old will now go into the Durban Test, which starts on Thursday, as the number one ranked bowler in the world for the first time in his career.