Philander says SA batsmen can emulate first innings effort on day five

South Africa's most experienced pacer Vernon Philander on Saturday said his team is still "within a shot" of winning the first Test against India and backed his batsmen to emulate their first innings effort on day five here.

In response to India's 502/7 declared, South Africa exceeded expectations by scoring 431 in their first innings. At stumps on day four, they were 11 for one, needing another 384 runs for an improbably victory.

"I still think we are in with a shot. They played really well, myself, KG (Rabada) all started well. Taking 70 runs lead we would have taken it as they scored 500 runs. Hopefully we come ready tomorrow, bat well and take it real close," said Philander, referring to the 71-run lead they conceded to India.

India declared their second innings at 323/4 in the final session and eventually South Africa batted nine overs before stumps instead of the scheduled 13.

Did India play it too safe by declaring when they did?
"No game is a safe game. It's a good wicket, the batters are in good form and hopefully we can get a good start tomorrow and set up for later on in the day."
Asked to comment on Rohit's second hundred in first match as Test opener, Philander said: "I think it's difficult to compare when you play at home to when you play abroad, it's a different ball game. But he scored the runs, what more do you want? All the best to him."
"Quinny (de Kock) is obviously not so old but he is one of us now. So I think it just brings fresh energy, new energy and the guys are really enjoying it."