Verdict of EX-South African Pacer on Newlands Pitch Might Upset Ashwin
The Indian cricket team was completely outplayed by South Africa in the opening test of the 2-match series at the SuperSport Park. The visitors were beaten by an innings and 32 runs, leaving captain Rohit Sharma with no other option than to admit that the team didn’t do well across departments. While the South Africans excelled with both bat and ball, India was troubled by the hosts throughout the game.
The action will now shift to Cape Town, where the teams will have a comparatively flat deck with their own set of challenges. Former spearhead of South Africa, Allan Donald, feels that if India envisages any chance of restoring parity, they need to use the new ball judiciously.
Donald said, “You need to be more creative in Cape Town, as wickets are a lot flatter and partnerships will stretch, and that’s traditional, as someone who knows it will be tougher Tests. The massive emphasis is on the new ball because traditionally, if there’s a southwesterly wind blowing across Newlands, then you know that is going to dry the pitch up.”
He further added, “There might be a little bit of assistance available for spinners later on, but it’s not going to happen. India in South Africa, no way will bring Indian spinners into it. So, you can forget that part. But your first innings of bowling could reward you if you pitch the new ball a bit fuller and try to swing it for the first 25 to 30 overs. And then start mixing your pace.”