Reverse swing returns to prominence in South Africa Tests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 10:32 · Archive

Reverse swing has become relevant again in Australia's Test series in South Africa due to abrasive pitch conditions. Australia made good use of the reversing ball in the fourth innings in Durban, with a similar wicket expected at St George's Park for the second Test starting Sunday.

Reverse swing has been largely missing in recent years, with greener wickets, smaller squares with drop-in wickets and lush outfields keeping the ball newer and less likely to rough up. The one obvious exception was in Australia's 1-0 series win on flat wickets in Pakistan in 2022, with Mitchell Starc getting considerable reverse swing in the final Test victory.

Josh Hazlewood, who took 6-49 in Durban, said the conditions dictate reverse swing's return. 'With Australia being the green seamers, it just doesn't get talked about at all,' he said, noting that in South Africa 'abrasive wickets' create the conditions needed. 'So we knew it was crucial.'

Reverse swing was a major talking point on Australia's last tour of South Africa in 2018, which was marked by a ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town. Since then, the use of saliva on the ball has been banned due to COVID-19, while Tests have become shorter on greener wickets.

How it is being reported

• Reverse swing relevant again on return to South AfricaEight years after a dramatic reverse-swing arms race during the controversial 2018 tour of South Africa, conditions have brought the art form back to the fore.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 10:19
• Reverse swing relevant again on return to South AfricaEight years after a dramatic reverse-swing arms race during the controversial 2018 tour of South Africa, conditions have brought the art form back to the fore.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 10:19

In this story: Australia · South Africa · Josh Hazlewood · Mitchell Starc · Durban · St George's Park · Pakistan · Cape Town

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