India’s tour of South Africa: Kingsmead track expected to prove helpful to bowlers
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wilson-c98046 Ngobese, the chief groundsman at the Kingsmead Stadium, is trying his best to “give a wicket that is fair to everybody” in the second Test match between India and South Africa – but he can’t promise anything.
Ngobese explains that, although the pitch looks green and hard right now, it will be important for it to get adequate sunlight in the days leading up to December 26, when the match is scheduled.
"It must not excessively help the bowlers too, and then if you can't bat I can't help it,” he says. “But we are expecting more rain till the start of the match, and I am hoping for more such sunny days. Still, it should help the
bowlers with good bounce."
In the first Test match of the series, which took place at the Centurion, heavy showers had densely infused the pitch with moisture. Consequently, the toss was the most decisive factor of the match – meaning that the team that
got to bowl first was at an advantage due to the bounce in the pitch. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 destroyed India in the first innings of the match.
The weather in Durban is currently wet, and more rain is expected on the weekend. In fact, BBC Weather has forecast heavy showers on the first day of the Kingsmead Test. Ground staff are hoping for the weather to improve soon,
not only for the sake of impartiality but also for the sake of the match itself. Tuesday and Wednesday were dry days in Durban, and it remains to be seen what the heavens have planned.
The Kingsmead cricket ground is already famous for being a seamers’ wicket. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 have already displayed discomfort playing in conditions that favour bowling, so they will need to strategize accordingly. Currently, the series stands
at 1-0 in favour of the Proteas.
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