At the close of play on day two, Stubbs was on 68 not out and Verreynne was unbeaten on 10.
If Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne can compile a decent partnership, Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince believes they can give the national team the upper hand on Wednesday, on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Spin bowler Keshav Maharaj played a key role on day two, taking 7/102 and ripping through Pakistan’s tail as the hosts were bowled out for 333 runs.
In response, the Proteas struggled in the early stages of their first innings, but they put up a fight to keep themselves in the hunt.
When stumps were drawn, South Africa had reached 185/4 in their first innings, trailing the hosts by 148 runs with six wickets remaining.
Stubbs, who was pushed up the order to number three, was on 68 not out after facing 168 deliveries in a calculated knock. Verreynne was unbeaten on 10.
First innings total is key
“We expect the pitch to deteriorate… and as time goes on in the match we expect it to start spinning more and more,” Prince said.
“So our first innings total obviously becomes very important. Losing two wickets close to the end of play (yesterday) wasn’t ideal but I thought we batted really well and the guys applied themselves really well.
“One more big partnership, something close to 100, ideally on this wicket between Stubbs and Verreynne, brings us close to Pakistan’s score.
“I think the potential is there to possibly get 40 or 50 runs ahead, and it might not sound like a lot, but under these circumstances it could be a lot.”
Lots of time
While the SA team had scored at less than three runs an over thus far in their first innings, Prince did not feel it was necessary to focus on the run rate with three days still to play.
The first match in Lahore last week, which the Proteas lost by 93 runs, had been concluded within four days. And Prince believed they had enough time on their hands to show some patience.
“I think what we try to emphasise is finding your rhythm of play and tempo out there in the middle, marrying strong defence with good scoring opportunities,” he said.
“I think it’s important for all of them (Proteas batters) to know where their singles are, and to understand which kind of boundary options they’re looking at, but as far as time is concerned I don’t think there’s any rush.”
