By Kuntal Chakraborty
The South Africa team so far has outplayed India on the field in the two Tests. Before the final Test in Johannesburg, the Proteas have defeated Team India off the field as well. This time it’s with their preparation strategy, the hosts overtook the Indians.
South African batsmen practiced on a pitch which is just beside the main surface. Now, two pitches side by side in the main ground will obviously have more or less same kind of nature.
So the Proteas batsmen will now have a better feeling of the pitch when they play the match tomorrow.
Why did Indian batsmen practiced outside at the practice venue?
The Indian team fielded, bowled and even played football inside the main ground but did not bat on the pitch meant for practice inside the ground. They also didn’t opt to go for the practice on the pitch adjacent to the main pitch.
The pitch curator, Bethuel Buthelezi said, "They didn't request me for the same".
During the practice session on Monday, the Indian coach wasn't happy with the practice wickets and the curator was called to give heavy roller on the pitch to make it harder and even.
When Ravi Shastri was busy making things ‘ok’ at the practice venue, South African batsmen took full use of the opportunity to have a go at the pitch which is more similar to the one where the match will be played.