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Johannesburg - Proteas batsman, Hashim Amla, has praised the courageous fightback from Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander on day two of the first Test against India at the Wanderers.
Du Plessis and Philander put on an unbeaten 67-run seventh-wicket partnership to stabilise the Proteas' innings after they looked in trouble after India's burst after tea.
South Africa went from 130/1 to 146/6 before Philander and Faf du Plessis steadied the ship.
"We were in a bit of trouble at 130 for six," said Amla. " The positive for us is the fightback that Vernon and Faf have shown. Having Faf and Vernon, guys who can bat in the lower order, has been helpful. Tomorrow is a crucial day and we need to try continue with the fightback."
Amla credited a "good sporting track" as one of the reasons for the 238 runs scored and 11 wickets to fall on the day. He was bowled for a hard-fought 36 while leaving an Ishant Sharma delivery which jagged back and remains uncertain of what the conditions will do for the remainder of the match.
" Some of the dismissals didn't really have much to do with the wicket," he said after the day's play. " In my case I should have used my bat, or tried to. India bowled really well and the wicket is offering quite a lot for the seamers consistently throughout the game."
Philander is unbeaten on 48 and was the star of the day following his tally of 4/61 with the ball.
" Ever since Vernon came into the national team he has proven himself as an amazing bowler, and a useful bowler," Amla said. " He has always considered himself an all-rounder. If you think back to Lords he got 60-odd at a crucial time for us and today he batted really well and held his own on a wicket which is offering assistance."
Du Plessis and Philander put on an unbeaten 67-run seventh-wicket partnership to stabilise the Proteas' innings after they looked in trouble after India's burst after tea.
South Africa went from 130/1 to 146/6 before Philander and Faf du Plessis steadied the ship.
"We were in a bit of trouble at 130 for six," said Amla. " The positive for us is the fightback that Vernon and Faf have shown. Having Faf and Vernon, guys who can bat in the lower order, has been helpful. Tomorrow is a crucial day and we need to try continue with the fightback."
Amla credited a "good sporting track" as one of the reasons for the 238 runs scored and 11 wickets to fall on the day. He was bowled for a hard-fought 36 while leaving an Ishant Sharma delivery which jagged back and remains uncertain of what the conditions will do for the remainder of the match.
" Some of the dismissals didn't really have much to do with the wicket," he said after the day's play. " In my case I should have used my bat, or tried to. India bowled really well and the wicket is offering quite a lot for the seamers consistently throughout the game."
Philander is unbeaten on 48 and was the star of the day following his tally of 4/61 with the ball.
" Ever since Vernon came into the national team he has proven himself as an amazing bowler, and a useful bowler," Amla said. " He has always considered himself an all-rounder. If you think back to Lords he got 60-odd at a crucial time for us and today he batted really well and held his own on a wicket which is offering assistance."
