Pitch to be big factor in third Test (23 December 1998)

23 December 1998

Pitch to be big factor in third Test

By Tony Becca

DURBAN - With the third Test between the West Indies and South Africa at Kingsmead just a few days away, both teams have been taking more than a casual interest in the pitch.

The West Indies because they are two-down and must win to stay in the hunt, South Africa because they fear a Windies comeback and therefore want to wrap up the series as quickly as possible.

The West Indies interest is more than usual because of the thick layer of grass on the pitch, the knowledge that although it will be shaved, much of it will remain, and although they will have Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh in their attack, the memory of their batsmen's inept performance on the 'green top' of the second Test at St. George's Park.

For South Africa, the interest is for another reason.

Although South Africa have won two - over New Zealand 1994-95 and India 1996-97, and drawn three - India, Australia and England - of the six Test matches they have played at Kingsmead since their return to international cricket in 1992, they have lost one - and the memory lingers.

They are still haunted by that defeat - a 29-run loss to Pakistan last season - because it was on their most recent appearance at Kingsmead and they are wondering what fate has in store for them this time around.

According to the local experts, the Kingsmead pitch could be anything. To some, it will favour pace, to others, it will be kind to spinners and still to others, it will be a batting strip.

The man who should know, however, is the man who has been caring it since 1992, and according to Phil Russell, it will, as it has been over the years, be a good pitch for a Test match.

"It's the same pitch, or thereabout, since 1992 and although it is too early to come up with a final assessment, it should play as it always has," said Russell on Monday.

"If you look back, all the tracks prepared for the Tests have been very good. They had a bit of bounce, something for the quick bowlers to extract life from it in the way of swing, and there was something for the spinners as well."

Source :: The Jamaica Gleaner (https://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/)