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  Indian total much bigger than it looks: Sanjay Bangar

Indian total much bigger than it looks: Sanjay Bangar

PTI
Published : Nov 5, 2015, 11:53 pm IST
Updated : Nov 5, 2015, 11:53 pm IST

India might have wasted the advantage of winning the toss after being bundled out for a paltry 201 against South Africa on Thursday but batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels the hosts’ first innings total

India might have wasted the advantage of winning the toss after being bundled out for a paltry 201 against South Africa on Thursday but batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels the hosts’ first innings total is “much bigger” than it looks on a slow and low pitch.

Bangar insisted that the first Test match is very much in the balance after the home spinners sent two visiting team batsmen back in the pavillion at close of opening day’s play with South Africa scorecard reading 28/2.

Asked about India letting go of the advantage, Bangar said: “To an extent yes, but we have got their two wickets already, so after 20 overs if they are 28/2, it just proves the point that the worth of 201 on the board is far more that what it looks.

“It is a very challenging wicket. I am not saying it is a good wicket or a bad wicket, but it is a very challenging wicket, wherein run-making is not easy.

“Competitive cricket is where a batsman and a bowler have equal opportunities. I think bowlers have to got a chance. Bowlers do have an upper hand on this track, and batsmen have to cope with that,” he said at the end of the first day’s play here.