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Each extra over from Graeme yielded results: Steyn

Source:PTI
December 27, 2010 08:38 IST

South African pacer Dale Steyn said his urge to bowl an additional over after each dry spell paid rich dividends as he returned with a four-wicket haul on the opening day of the second Test in Durban.

Steyn said he had asked skipper Graeme Smith to allow him to bowl an additional over after each wicket-less spell and it worked for him at the Kingsmead cricket ground.

- Scorecard

"First seven overs I went wicketless. But I was feeling confident and I requested Graeme for giving me one more over. 'Captain just one more over please'. He obliged and I got Sehwag's wicket," Steyn told reporters after India finished the opening day at 183/6 on Sunday.

"Again I had to request for one more over and I got Vijay and Dravid out," Steyn said.

Steyn said South Africa has some specific plans for India and their aim would be to remove the remaining four wickets early on Day 2.

"Our plan is going to be almost same. We are going to try our best to bowl in right areas and knock down four more wickets. Key to our success will be keep hitting that line and length and be patient. Keep bowling on that spot and wicket will do the rest," Steyn said.

"We have plans for day two and that too for each Indian player. So day two will be equally important," he added.

Steyn said the wicket was providing bounce and seam movement for the bowlers but they had to work hard to keep the ball at the right areas.

"Yes wicket was doing a bit. Bounce and seam movement was there. But in between because of the outfield the ball got slightly wet and stopped moving. We really had to work hard on the ball. I think there is something for the bowler in this wicket," he said.

"At the end of the day I got bit of cramp in my groin area and surprisingly physio said that I was over hydrated. That was bit funny," quipped Steyn.

The 27-year-old gave a lot of credit to his senior colleagues for contributing to his success in the last year and half.

"I have been lucky to play along with some great players like (Jacques) Kallis, (Shaun) Pollock and (Mark) Boucher behind the stumps. There was time when I use to think that I can achieve everything with my own talent," Steyn said.

"Over the years I have learnt to listen to what information senior players want to offer. They have plenty of experience, some of them played in 140 odd Test matches, so their advice is very crucial for me," he added.

Source: PTI
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