Draw was the best way to go, insists South Africa's Graeme Smith
Proteas skipper defends team's decision to apply the brakes on epic chase in test against India
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 in Johannesburg.
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
"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.