The first test between India and South Africa, starting November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, is all set for an exciting battle. After six years, Eden Gardens is hosting a Test match, and the pitch will reportedly challenge batters while offering plenty for fast bowlers.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, the black-soil surface at the Eden Gardens has already lost most of its live grass just four days before the match, and by the time the two-match Test series opener begins, only a tiny layer is expected to remain.
Eden Gardens set for pacers’ paradise for 1st India vs South Africa Test
It is being said that the pitch will have good bounce initially, but will start slowing down by the middle of the match. This means batters will enjoy some scoring in the first session, but patience and technique will be key as the ball begins to behave differently later on.
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Unlike the flat pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the second Test between India and the West Indies, Eden Gardens is expected to provide more movement and bounce, making it far from an easy track for the first Test against South Africa.
Historically, Kolkata has been a venue for fast bowlers. In the last 15 years, pacers have taken 61% of the wickets at this ground, claiming 97 wickets in six tests. The Eden Gardens pitch is likely to roughen quickly, creating ideal conditions for reverse swing.
Toss will not decide the outcome of the Kolkata Test
And then cooler temperatures in the early morning and late evening could also help seamers move the ball sideways, adding another challenge for the batters.
It suggests that there will be very little assistance to the spinners, contrary to India’s reputation for making turners.
Well, the quick outfield at Eden Gardens will allow batters to score runs in the early stages, but as the pitch slows, every run will become harder to get.
This means the toss might not decide the game as dramatically as it sometimes does, with both batters and bowlers having chances to influence the match.
After India’s 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand last year, the Indian cricket team is expected to avoid preparing tracks that turn too much in Kolkata and Guwahati.
The Eden Gardens surface looks like it will give fast bowlers the edge while still allowing skilled batters to make their mark.
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South Africa eyes victory in Kolkata after successful Pakistan tour
Meanwhile, South Africa is ready for their fourth Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. They won their first Test in Kolkata back in 1996 but lost their last two matches in 2004 and 2010.
The most recent test at this venue was in 2019, when India defeated Bangladesh in a pink-ball day-night match.
The last Test match in Kolkata was in 2017 against Sri Lanka, which ended in a draw. The Proteas come to India after a strong performance in Rawalpindi, where they levelled their Test series against Pakistan.
That series was played on spin-friendly pitches, which helped South Africa’s spinners shine.
Senuran Muthusamy was the Player of the Series, Keshav Maharaj delivered the Player of the Match performance in Rawalpindi, and Simon Harmer finished the Test series as the second-highest wicket taker in the Pakistan series. Their spin attack is in top form, but India planned to spoil their strategy.
