Debasis Sen,Centurion: Indian captain Virat Kohli can brace for another pace barrage when they face the Proteas in the second Test in Centurion from Saturday. The visitors capitulated in both the innings at Newlands as they were dismissed for 209 and 135 in their respective innings – before losing by 72 runs.
Man-of-the-match Vernon Philander claimed a career best nine wickets, including six in India’s second innings. The Proteas fast bowlers will get enough bounce and carry , feel Bryan Bloy, SuperSport Park’s groundsman.
Bloy said the recent heatwave in Gauteng made preparation difficult, but that he was doing his best to adhere to the home side’s request.
“Our aim is to prepare a pitch that has something in it for the bowlers in the morning before getting a little more batsman friendly. Due to the heat, the pitch will also wear away a bit on the fourth and fifth day,” Bloy said, before adding: “But it will a quick surface with bounce and a little sideways movement.”
A Cricket South Africa official was seen entering the stadium today afternoon along with Bloy. Both were seen having a long discussion on the wicket. Soon the groundsman was instructed to give water on the wicket to keep the moisture on the surface before covers were soon laid over the wicket.
The wicket has a greenish tinge with enough bounce and carry that would bring smiles to the fast bowlers of both the teams.
Last time both these sides faced each other was in the first test of the three match series in 2010. The star studded Indian batting line up were bundled out for only 136 runs in the first innings, paving the way for a huge innings and 25 runs win for the home team.