Relaid Kingsmead outfield raises concerns

While all eyes are on the pitch for Durban’s first-ever Test match in August, peripheral vision will move to the outfield which has failed to recover completely since being relaid last month.

After a limited-overs series between both teams last year, members of both sides had complained about the condition of the outfields in Durban and Centurion. They found the ground uncomfortable because it was too hard and asked if something could be done to soften it ahead of this year’s Test series. CSA agreed to decompact the outfield at both venues, which essentially involves removing sand and grass and relaying it. However, the process took place too late in Durban and the outfield was too deeply dug up to be ready in time for the Test. As a result, the outfield is an eyesore: patchy with several areas of …

continue reading in source www.espncricinfo.com