Wanderers will offer much more for the bowlers

AFTER SWIMMING up-stream at Newlands in the second Test both South Africa and England’s bowlers would have been pleased to hear from the Wanderers groundsman, that it will be “a typical Wanderers pitch” that awaits them when the third Test starts this Thursday.

What does that mean? “It will have pace, bounce and carry, typical Wanderers,” said Bethuel Buthelezi, the man in charge of preparing the surface for what is a crucial match in a series Alastair Cook’s men currently lead 1-0.

Newlands was an enormous examination of patience for all the bowlers, with batsmen able to set out their stall and bat. It was some felt slightly unfair in that it too favourable to batting. The South Africans weren’t complaining given their recent struggles in India and were only to happy for a surface in which they found some much needed confidence.

The Wanderers will be a different affair. “I think 350 will be a good first innings score here,” added Buthelezi, much as his predecessor, Chris Scott, used to do. This is the first Test pitch Buthelezi, who has worked at the Wanderers for over 30 years, has prepared. “There is something for the fast bowlers, and if it stays dry and goes to five days it will spin.”

A full five days seems unlikely. While recent rains in the region have been very good for the outfield – it was a lush green yesterday as Buthelezi’s staff set about it with a mower – thunderstorms are threatening to curtail the match on most days.

Back in 2009/10 the last time these two sides met at the venue, the Test was also constantly interrupted by bad light and rain, but was still completed in three and a half days. Over 70 000 tickets have been sold thus far and Gauteng cricket’s authorities are hoping to reach 90 000.