Denness decisions focused India: Wright

India coach John Wright said the controversy surrounding match referee Mike Denness's decision to censure six Indian players helped focus his team on the final day of the drawn second Test against South Africa.

India resumed on Tuesday on 28 for one in search of an unlikely victory target of 395. They reached 206 for three before bad light ended the match.

Before play began it was announced that Denness had ruled Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar had brought the game into disrepute for ball tampering and was fined 75 per cent of his match fee and given a suspended one-match ban.

Five other players, including Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly were also sanctioned by Denness for bad behaviour.

"It all probably focused us a lot more, but it was important that we got through the first two hours and built a platform," Wright told reporters.

"I thought the team responded well in every way."

"We respect the opposition. They play it as hard as they can, and so do we. I don't think any quarter is given at this level, and none is expected from us."

Wright said he didn't have to motivate his players any more than usual.

"It wasn't really necessary," Wright said. "The boys were really determined today and there wasn't a lot that had to be said.

"No matter what the challenges are, you've got to focus on playing cricket to the best of your ability and understand that you're representing your country."

Ganguly agreed with his coach.

"We had to play a day of Test cricket, and that's what we woke up to do," Ganguly said. "We knew we really had to play well, and we did that."

Makeshift opener Deep Dasgupta, 63, and Rahul Dravid, 87, guided India to safety on the final day's play.

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

Mail Cricket Editor