No hiding that the grass is greener for South Africa

Dean Elgar has defended South Africa’s use of home advantage, as they look to minimise the influence Rangana Herath could have on the series by preparing pitches that take longer to deteriorate. Both Port Elizabeth and Cape Town are known for their suitability for spin, something Russell Domingo pointed out as a concern in the lead up to the series, so South Africa have ordered grassier surfaces and Elgar believes that is a fair ploy. 

“We’ve been bitten in the past going to places like India, where we’ve played in the desert and the challenge between bat and ball is not realistic. But this is a good cricket wicket,” he said. “If you apply yourself with the ball you’re going to have success and if you apply yourself with the bat you’re also going to have success, as we saw in Port Elizabeth. This is not unfair – it’s not to our advantage or to their disadvantage. It’s a good wicket for cricket. People want to see runs the whole time but for the longevity of Test cricket this is what we need more.” 

Elgar admitted this was “the most” grass he had seen on a Newlands pitch especially when compared to the previous match played here. Against England last year, a total of 1415 runs were scored and only 19 wickets taken in a drawn match …

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