India will take on South Africa in the second and final Test of the ongoing series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from Saturday, November 22. The curator is preparing a red clay pitch for the upcoming match between India and South Africa, which can provide bounce and good carry.
Kolkata’s pitch deteriorated earlier than expected. The unexpected bounce made it extremely difficult for both teams to bat. Chasing 124, the home team suffered a dramatic collapse and were bowled out for just 93 runs in the fourth innings. The host team is currently trailing 0-1 in the two-match series.
The Guwahati pitch is expected to provide high bounce and plenty of turn.
According to Times of India, the Guwahati pitch is expected to provide significant turn with strong bounce. Barsapara’s surface, made of red clay, should provide better carry for the bowlers than the Kolkata pitch, which was heavily criticised.
In particular, the team management is confident that the track will suit their plans. The pitch preparation is being overseen by BCCI Chief Curator Ashish Bhowmik and it is expected to be challenging but not unpredictable.
This match will also be the first Test at Barsapara Stadium. The BCCI is keen to avoid the venue gaining a negative reputation, especially after the Eden Gardens pitch was declared extremely dangerous.
India’s pitch requirements explained before season starts
A BCCI official said that Guwahati’s surface is naturally conducive to generating extra pace and bounce. The Indian team had requested specific conditions for the domestic season. Curators are working carefully to avoid unexpected or uneven bounces when preparing pitches.
“The pitch here is made of red clay, which has a tendency to give more pace and bounce. The Indian team had made its demands clear before the domestic season. So, if the pitch gives turn, it will turn on pace and bounce. The curators are trying to ensure that there is no big variable bounce,” a BCCI source told TOI.
Kolkata’s pitch was criticized as the match ended within three days. Despite the backlash, Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir insisted that the pitch performed exactly as the team had requested.
India’s struggles on spin track spark debate on domestic strategy
India’s batting problems have become clearly visible on spin-friendly pitches. With the side struggling against spin bowling, relying heavily on turners has become a gamble rather than a reliable strategy.
India once relied heavily on rank turners as Jadeja and Ashwin could outclass the visiting teams with ease. Although the bowling remains strong, the current batting group has not shown the ability to post competitive scores on such pitches.
On more balanced Test wickets, where the batting remains stable for the first few days and the spinners naturally start getting help later on, India will have a better chance of scoring big runs. Their fast bowlers are now able to dictate terms even on good surfaces.
Also read: Bangladeshi captain embarrassed Harmanpreet Kaur while trying to defend!
