Cricket
Proteas geared for any pitch against Sri Lanka─── MORGAN PIEK 07:31 Fri, 22 Nov 2024
The Proteas’ red-ball coach, Shukri Conrad, has called for competitive pitches ahead of the crucial two-Test series against Sri Lanka, starting next week in Durban.
With both teams vying for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final, the stakes are high. Sri Lanka is currently third on the WTC standings with 55.56 points, while South Africa, having played one fewer Test, is fifth with 54.17.
Durban’s Kingsmead and St. George’s Park in Gqeberha, the venues for the series, have traditionally offered something for spinners, which could favour Sri Lanka. However, Conrad believes these surfaces can also cater to South Africa’s strengths if prepared well.
Speaking about the Durban pitch, he shared insights from consultant Evan Flint.
“I was in conversation with Evan, and it will be one of the new wickets. He guarantees me there will be some good pace. There might not be the bounce that there used to be, but it’s about preparing for balance,” Conrad said.
“It will spin at some stage during the Test match, late on day four, and that’s what you want. That’s why we play arguably one of the best spinners in the world, with Keshav (Maharaj) on our side.”
Shukri Conrad. Photo: X
Sri Lanka, known for its spin-friendly bowling attack, might welcome conditions where spinners can thrive. However, Conrad downplayed concerns, emphasising South Africa’s adaptability.
“There are no concerns from our side, and I don’t know why subcontinent teams would prefer Durban and PE. If the groundsmen get it right, these wickets can play to our strengths as well,” he said.
Conrad also pointed out that Gqeberha can offer assistance to seamers, with domestic bowlers like Beyers Swanepoel often excelling there. “It can be very favourable for seamers as well,” he noted.
Reflecting on the broader picture, Conrad highlighted the importance of readiness over pitch demands.
The former Free State and Northern Cape seamer Beyers Swanepoel. Photo: X
“We don’t want to be going out and ordering specific wickets. We just want good cricketing wickets. If we get good surfaces, our batters can perform, and we believe we have a bowling attack that can perform on any type of surface.
“You can’t play all your cricket at Centurion and the Wanderers – we’ve got a fan base in Durban and PE, and we’re ready to compete.”
The 1st Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Kingsmead.
