Pressure keeps

MATCH referee Andy Pycroft has officially described the Kingsmead outfield as “poor” in his match report to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Pycroft, a member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, expressed his concern about the quality of the outfield which led to no play being possible for the last three days of the drawn first Test between South Africa and New Zealand after heavy rain (65mm) fell last Saturday night.

The report has been forwarded to Cricket South Africa (CSA) who now have 14 days to respond.

According to ICC regulations, a warning or a fine not exceeding $15 000 (R212 186) can be issued along with “a directive for appropriate corrective action”.

A repeat offence over the next five years would draw a fine of up to $30 000 (R424 372). A total of 77.4 overs were played on the first day at Kingsmead while only 22 overs on Saturday.

CSA issued a statement by chief executive Haroon Lorgat on Monday saying the national body had attempted to re-lay the outfield to make it more suitable for Test match cricket in winter.

“However, the unseasonal rain at this time of year had impacted our preparations of the newly laid outfield. The flood conditions more than a month ago had affected the decompacting process at Kingsmead.

“SuperSport Park, on the other hand, was re-laid by “overseeding” it with a winter grass and the results have been impressive.

“It is most unfortunate and certainly beyond our control that the heavy unseasonal rains in Durban had impacted our plans. We are sympathetic to the efforts of all the ground staff who have tried their level best to ensure match readiness,” said Lorgat. – Patrick Compton