The South African side is not bound to be encouraged with the news coming out of Nagpur, venue for the 3rd Test.
The Jamtha is a dry turner likely to help the spinners from Day 1.
“Of course, it’s not that Mohali pitch (of the first Test).But it’s no less,” a source said.
The visitors have struggled on turning surfaces on this tour. The Proteas’ batting line-up, boasting of some of the biggest names in cricket, has not managed to play beyond over number 68 in the last three outings.
“It will turn, surely. It will not be too different from the pitches we have seen so far in the series. India will have the home advantage,” Amar Karlekar, the Vidarbha Cricket Association curator said.
“It’s a pitch where a skipper can go with three spinners and a lone pacer. It will be dry and will help spinners right from the start. The only assistance on offer for the pacers will be the reverse swing,” said another official.
South African skipper Hashim Amla will have happy memories of his last Test knock at Nagpur. The right-hander compiled a double ton to help his side post a 550-plus total.
Like Amla, Dale Steyn too excelled in that 2010 Test. The pacer’s five-wicket haul in the first innings powered SA to a win in four days.
However, pacers are unlikely to have any assistance from the pitch this time around.
“Frankly, I don’t think something like that will be possible this time. It will be very difficult for a fast bowler to repeat that feat on this surface. Of course, if the batsmen gift away wickets, things could be different,” the Jamtha curator further added.
