SA vs IND 2018: Centurion Curator Reveals Pitch Nature For Second Test

After being thoroughly outplayed by the South African pacers in the first Test, Team India can heave a sigh of relief as the SuperSport Park in Centurion – the venue for the second Test – is unlikely to stay unshaven. Bryan Bloy, the head groundsman, has made it clear that the pitch for the upcoming game would ‘definitely’ not be a green top.

The first Test in Cape Town ended inside four days despite the third day being completely washed out. The batsmen of both the teams struggled to find their rhythm as the pacers made merry on a bouncy Newlands track. But the batsmen can expect a good return in the upcoming Test with Bloy insisting that the groundsmen are ‘preparing a good wicket’ that will ensure even competition between bat and ball.

“We are preparing a good wicket that will offer good competition between bat and ball and won’t deteriorate much as the days go by‚” Bloy said.

“During the first Test in Cape Town‚ from a distance I thought the ball moved around a little but we will do our best to prepare a much better wicket here in Centurion. There is no rain forecast from Thursday and I am hoping that the pitch will be a good one‚ but it will definitely not be a green top.

“We are doing our best to put together a good wicket and the challenge is for the boys to rock up here and do their thing,” he added.

The bowlers, however, are likely to have a big say in determining the outcome of the game. With the Centurions track traditionally assisting pacers, the pacers will be enjoying a good time in the upcoming Test too. With the pitch more than likely to offer ample bounce, Indian batsmen will have their task cut out after a poor outing in Cape Town.

India’s weakness against the short ball has already been exposed and South Africa’s formidable pace attack will be licking their fingers to have another go at the visitors. The second game will get underway on Saturday (January 13).

Here is the news feed:

Sanjay Manjrekar Opens Up On His Frosty Relationship With Sachin Tendulkar

SA vs IND 2018: Ajinkya Rahane Needed Virat Kohli And Ravi Shastri’s Backing, Says Pravin Amre

Catch India’s tour to South Africa here.

Video of the day: