Proteas warn Australia of tough pitch at St George's Park

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 20:31 · Archive

South Africa have warned Australia they may face a deteriorating St George's Park wicket with divots forming, despite trailing 1-0 in the series.

South Africa have warned Australia that the St George's Park pitch in Gqeberha is already forming divots due to moisture and rain, which could make batting conditions trickier as the Test progresses. The Proteas, trailing 1-0 in the three-Test series, reached 5-97 at stumps on day two after a rain-affected start to the match.

Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince said the ball is moving around and divots could firm up in the sun to create a bigger challenge later in the match. He suggested South Africa had considered the prospect of it being hard batting last before the toss, before going in to bat. The Proteas also have the advantage of Kagiso Rabada returning from a hamstring tear.

St George's Park is generally regarded as a slow, spinning wicket, but Prince noted there was more grass left on than usual due to early-season scheduling. That has played into the hands of Australia's quick Scott Boland, who has taken 4-31 over the wet opening two days.

How it is being reported

• We still have to bowl: Proteas pitch warning to AussiesSouth Africa have insisted their batting should not be judged until Australia contend with a St George's Park wicket, which is already forming divots.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 20:10
• We still have to bowl: Proteas pitch warning to AussiesSouth Africa have insisted their batting should not be judged until Australia contend with a St George's Park wicket, which is already forming divots.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 20:10

In this story: South Africa · Australia · St George's Park · Gqeberha · Ashwell Prince · Kagiso Rabada · Scott Boland

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