SA vs IND 2018, 1st Test: Newlands Curator Hopeful of Some Play Despite Rain
Published - 07 Jan 2018, 07:40 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:47 PM
The third day of the first Test between South Africa and India has been delayed due to rain at the Newlands in Cape Town.
The match is evenly poised at the moment with both the South African openers sent to the pavilion late on day two by Hardik Pandya.
However, the hosts lead the tourists by 142 runs with their score at 65/2. The curator of the ground Evan Flint believes the fans will be able to witness some action despite the rain.
In an interview with Cricketnext, Flint said once the rain stops the groundsmen will be able to get the ground ready for play to begin on time. He said,
“It doesn’t look very good at the moment, as the forecast for rain is until late afternoon. Luckily, we are in a middle of a drought so the ground is really firm and very dry so it should not take long (to clear up). Hopefully, we will be able to clean up things in an hour (once the rain goes away). Because we are so close to the mountains, it is sometimes a little bit difficult (to predict rain). So, if it is going to rain anywhere in Cape Town, Newlands is bound to get the most of it,”
Rain prevented any play before lunch on the third day of the first Test between South Africa and India at Newlands on January 7, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MARCO LONGARI (Photo credit should read MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images)
Flint mentioned the drainage system at Newlands is amongst the best in the world and also added that rain would be welcomed in Cape Town, as they are going through a drought. He said,
“We have got a very good drainage system, so we do not need to cover the whole ground. Also, we are in a middle of a drought, any extra rain welcome at this stage. It’s just a pity that this is happening during a game, but the forecast on next two days looks good, and hopefully, we will be able to get a result,”
Talking about the pitch, he said the game has gone according to the plan, and he has picked South Africa as his favourite to win the match,
“The match has gone according to the plan. There has been some good pace and bounce, and it also showed that if you apply yourself in the middle, you will score some runs. At the moment, heart says South Africa (winner of the match), but you never know as cricket is a funny game,”
Follow more news about India’s tour of South Africa 2018 here.
