SA’s pitch bitch
TOO DRY: CONDITIONS PLAYED INTO VISITOR’S HANDS
Strip felt like something more suited to Colombo rather that Joburg, says skipper Behardien.
Although the Proteas have admitted a below-par batting performance caused their defeat in the second T20 international against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg on Sunday, they are also hoping a better pitch awaits them in the decisive third game at Newlands tomorrow.
The Wanderers is traditionally a high-scoring venue, with the average 20-over score being 176, before South Africa were bowled out for just 113 as Sri Lanka went on to win by three wickets with two balls to spare.
It was their first win on their troubled tour, but a dry, cracked pitch that provided significant turn and some low bounce suited them down to the ground.
“The pitch was very disappointing and it played right into Sri Lanka’s hands. They changed their selection at the last minute and included three spinners, and it felt like playing in Colombo. Normally it’s a high-scoring game at the Bullring, with lots of fours and sixes, but the pitch really brought the spinners into play. It was a very slow pitch and all the batsmen struggled. We will definitely be asking a few questions,” Proteas captain Farhaan Behardien said.
The skipper said he had also changed his mind about what to do after winning the toss because of the conditions.
“Normally I would have chased at the Wanderers, but because of the abrasive, dry pitch we tried to set a target. We thought that if we could score 130 to 140 then we would definitely contend, but we were a bit frenetic. We lost wickets at crucial moments, it stunted our momentum and we couldn’t build any partnerships, which are crucial on a slow wicket, it’s difficult for the new batsmen coming in,” Behardien said.
The unusual conditions occurred despite Test captain Faf du Plessis making a point during the five-day series of saying the Proteas would now actively consult with groundsmen in order to get pitches that actually gave them home ground advantage.
Sri Lankan coach Graham Ford said he was surprised by the pitch and expected Cape Town to be less hospitable, especially with AB de Villiers back in the Proteas squad. Although the former Proteas coach joked – more in hope than expectation – that he didn’t expect De Villiers to play.
“I was very surprised. I said to the guys in the build-up to the game that there would be quite a lot of runs scored, it would be a high-scoring game, especially if you see the stats for the Wanderers. There will probably be different conditions at Newlands and a couple of different players in the opposition. AB probably won’t play though, he’s not good enough,” Ford joked.