Samuels: Conditions tough but we fought
Life was not easy for the batsmen on the opening day of the second Test match, according to West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels.The right-hander, who was Man-of-the-Match in the first Test, batted for over 3 1/2 hours to make 51 as the West Indies reached 240 for eight against South Africa on Wednesday. He added 106 for the fourth wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is on 64 not out and will carry the fight into the second day.
"It was one of those days where we just had to be patient. We played a lot of shots that would normally go for fours, but we had to hustle and get twos. That's just the way it goes sometimes," he said."We did not quite reach our target but we believe we are still on the right track. You also have to realize the conditions were a bit tough out there as well," said Samuels.
"Knowing that Shiv (Chanderpaul)is still there at the crease, he will play a very positive role for us. He has been there so many times and knows what to do. We will look to put some pressure on the South Africans."
Samuels said the outfield at the Sahara Park, Newlands was quite heavy and the batsmen did not always get value for shots.
"The outfield took some runs from us. It's the heaviest I've ever seen for a match at this level. The pitch was also a bit of a challenge with a tennis ball-type bounce which made batting a bit awkward."
"South Africa came out with a plan. It was obvious they were aiming to starve us. Shiv and I were talking out there that we had to play a patient game. We will look to be patient when we bowl as well."