South Africa’s stand-in skipper Aiden Markaram explained the heat factor that took a heavy toll on both teams when they met England at Wankhede Stadium on October 20 in simple terms. Both sides labored throughout the game and appeared exhausted by the heat and humidity.
Heat is not uncommon in Mumbai at this time of year. When combined with air pollution, the circumstances at this venue can be difficult for any team.
English and South African cricketers were seen laboring at various stages of the game and need frequent water breaks. Even though the temperature was 32-33 degrees Celsius, it felt much worse.
“I believe our previous game here was a bit of a rude awakening.” We anticipated it would be hot and humid when we arrived in India, especially in Mumbai and cities like Chennai. But the other night was awful,” Markram stated.
“So, most of the guys have got their feet up but there are still one or two just ticking a few boxes and making sure that mentally they go into tomorrow feeling ready,” he said.
Heinrich Klaassen undoubtedly felt the heat the most. He resisted both the English invasion and the harsh weather. Klaassen, who batted 109 off 67 balls under the harsh conditions, did not participate in the optional training session at Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
“It’s like breathing hot air, and every time you try to run, it just saps more and more energy, until your body simply refuses to work with you any longer.” It’s almost as if you’re sprinting in a sauna for the entire inning. “We prepare for it, and we’re used to these conditions, but it still drains the body,” Klaassen remarked after the game.
Markaram noted that Klaasen is doing well and will be ready to go against Bangladesh on Tuesday under the similar conditions.
“Klaas is a big sweater, so I assume it plays a role, but I think for anyone in those conditions it would have taken a lot out of him and would have taken a day or two to recover most certainly, so it’s not his fault he sweats a lot, but that’s what he does.” He gets a little fired up in the middle. “I’m sure we all noticed,” Markram stated.
“He’s a competitor who is deeply committed to doing well for his country.” I believe you mix all of those things, and by the end of the game, you are fairly exhausted. The treatment and other things he’s been doing, obviously a lot of sleep, is one of the most essential things he’s been doing, and it’s fairly simple. But nutrition, massages, and visits to the physiotherapist are all crucial. So he’s filling up his tank, and maybe he’ll be ready to go again tomorrow,” Markram added.
South Africa knows what to anticipate at this location after playing there previously, while Bangladesh, who arrived from Pune following their previous match, does not. However, practice sessions in the sweltering heat on Sunday gave them a taste of what was to come.
Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who was present during Monday’s practice, was not accessible on Sunday owing to dehydration, while assistant fielding coach Faisal Hossain collapsed on the field due to heat exhaustion and was quickly removed. The cricketers were spotted routinely hydrating themselves.
“We want to rest and hydrate, take care of ourselves,” Shakib said. “We saw England and South Africa suffer as a result of the weather.” We got used to hot temperatures, but it will be difficult for us. The weather will be kind to both teams. The main issue is humidity. You lose fluid from your body regardless of how much water you drink. You rapidly become exhausted. You may experience cramps. “I think it will be difficult for both teams,” Shakib said.
