Mominul Haque Bangladesh Captain:
We tried to play according to the merit of the balls. We didn’t look for the result until the last session. But last night we lost three wickets which were crucial. You know you know we are used to planning spin in Bangladesh and knew that Durban offers spin from the third and fourth days. You know you know we are used to planning spin in Bangladesh and knew that Durban offers spin from the third and fourth days.
We didn’t capitalize well with the bat, played too many loose shots. We can make good partnerships as we showed in the first innings. (On selection) As you see in the last couple of tests in New Zealand and the ODIs here, our pace department has done really well. There was a bit of moisture and we tried to use that, and I think we conceded 50-60 runs extra in the second innings. We’ll look to come back stronger in the next game, hopefully, it will be a good opportunity for players coming in.
Dean Elgar, South Africa Captain:
It’s a special win, not common for us to play for five days. It’s been a hard graft playing in conditions that we’re not used to seeing, we had to apply ourselves well, and we had to execute our skills which was a bit of a challenge for the young-ish bowling unit. It’s a hard-fought win, which is a massive positive for us. The conditions played a factor in our team selection with two experienced spinners and seamers who applied themselves well.
There are a lot of learning curves for a lot of guys. The team management has worked really hard, it’s a massive squad effort. I think experience plays a massive part. We have been fortunate enough to experience that in the subcontinent where they declare and you bat in the dark and a lot of things react differently. And you’re facing the spin under the lights which do make it play a bit differently.
Fortunately, we were in a position of betting first, and knowing that the light deteriorates, and knowing that you know runs on the board obviously played in our favor, but yeah, I would have liked to see batters apply themselves a little bit better, especially yesterday after lunch, pushing on 300-320. Knowing that the light was touch-and-go forces you to bowl the spinners and that worked out well for us. Extremely healthy for both guys (spinners), they are pushing each other in the nets. They are extremely competitive. I’m not sure of the team for PE, but we have a good headache with regard to selection.
Keshav Maharaj is the Player of the Match for his 7 for 32 in the second innings:
I don’t think it’s advisable to show the finger yet (laughs). I feel emotional, to come home is always special for me. Yeah, it’s actually quite emotional. To bring it home is always special to me. And I’m just glad enough that I could take the team over the line today.
(On today’s approach)
I think it was just about being patient and trying to hit my lines lengths for long periods of time, was fortunate that Simon at the other end, provided control so we had a bit of stop on the game. It allowed us to sort of strike with our fields which help me helped me in the end. (On patience) I think, we cricketers, are impatient at times. When you’re bowling long spells you want to try to get the reward, but it’s just about sticking to the processes and, I think the hard work from the first innings and the toil in the first innings and pay dividends in the second.
(On having a spin partner)
I think it’s been a long time since that happened, so I’m glad there’s a shift of mindset towards spin bowling in our country. And I’m very pleased with Simon that he’s taken the opportunity with both hands on I know he’s gone out overseas and came back is a different player, his skills going up and I’m really, really happy for him and the performance that he’s put in for the team. (On looking forward to the next game) you can’t take wins for granted and test series for granted.
So it’s back to the drawing boards from tomorrow, start preparations and hopefully hit the ground running on a positive note come so forgive me for the pronunciation. I’ll just say PE (laughs). (On playing in front of family) My parents and my sister and my nieces and nephews are here. So it’s a special moment for me. As I said, I love playing at home. The dolphins have been very good for me. And I’m very grateful to put in a performance.
Bangladesh vs South Africa 1st Test Highlights today, Monday 4-4-2022. 1st Test, Bangladesh tour of South Africa from Kingsmead, Durban.
Match Timings: 08:00 GMT | 10:00 Local
Umpires – Adrian Holdstock, Marais Erasmus
TV Umpires – Allahudien Paleker
Match Referee – Andy Pycroft
Reserve Umpire – Bongani Jele
Match number – Test no. 2460
