 |  We have to push on from here and get a big total |
South Africa captain Graeme Smith was happy to see the gamble of playing Andrew Hall as an opener paying off so well against India in Kanpur. "It was definitely a risk to take, but he showed tremendous patience and discipline," Smith said after day one of the first Test.
"We thought we would do something different and surprise the opposition."
Hall hit 78 not out in a South African score of 230-4, putting on 61 for the first wicket with Smith.
The skipper added: "He is a strokemaker, but I am really impressed with the discipline he showed today. He did not take any risks at all.
"It is not very easy to score at a brisk pace in India where the wickets are much slower. You have to graft for the runs. But I am pleased the way we batted today as you can't expect to score three or four runs an over here. It is not that easy.
"The guys had a really good day. We lost quick wickets at the end of the first and second sessions but we fought back well.
"We have to push on from here and get a big total, that is very important."
Coach John Wright defended India's strategy to concentrate on spin.
He said: "Sourav Ganguly felt our strength are the spinners so we decided to go in with three. The formula had worked well in the Mumbai Test against Australia."
MMIX
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