Day 1 of the South Africa vs. India 2nd Test revealed that the pitch at Newlands, which may swallow 23 wickets, is a great enigma to everyone. A never-before-seen 6 for 0 collapse on the hectic opening day in Cape Town left everyone scratching their heads in unison. Analysts are searching for explanations for the pitch’s unusual behavior and how something similar could occur.
But Ashwell Prince, a former player for South Africa and batting consultant, might know the answers. The former top-order hitter has developed a fascinating notion that might help to clarify the pitch’s confusion at Newlands.
When asked about the behavior of the pitch, Prince responded, “I remember playing in the UK a few years back, particularly at Nottingham, and the locals saying when construction took place it changed the characteristics of the ground.” “I am unsure if that has been a factor in this. This place is undergoing a lot of work,” Prince said.
Prince was referring to the possibility that a new building that has emerged near Calvin Grove End is changing the direction of the wind on the ground. The pitch’s behavior may also be largely attributed to the hiring of Braam Mong as a new groundskeeper, who was assigned to this test, which was his first for South Africa.
Ashwell Prince supports choosing to bat first.
Prince had already supported the choice to bat first after winning the toss. Maybe we would have bowled if the weather had been cloudy when we got here today. However, blue skies welcomed us, and despite the slight tint on the surface, Prince stated, “I don’t think our hitters are ever bothered when there is a little bounce on the pitch as long as the bounce is consistent and the movement is consistent.”
Taking six wickets in the first innings, Mohammed Siraj emerged as the standout player on Day 1. The lowest score in a Test match between India and South Africa was 55, which the Indian bowling team bowled out. Given the way the pitch is playing, it will be intriguing to watch how the batters do on Day 2.
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