The International Cricket Council (ICC) has assigned the Newlands pitch, which hosted the second Test between South Africa and India, the “unsatisfactory” rating. This assessment was conducted in accordance with the ICC Pitch and Outfield monitoring procedure.
A single demerit point has been assigned to the venue in consequence of the rating. The demerit points remain in effect for a continuous period of five years. In the event that a venue amasses six demerit points, it will be subject to a 12-month suspension from hosting any international cricket.
Due to the indifferent bounce, the second Test, which India won, concluded in less than two days, with both teams struggling to score runs. The opening day witnessed a total of 23 wickets fall, with South Africa being dismissed for 55 runs and India amassing 153 runs with the loss of their final six wickets for an additional 0 runs.
Dean Elgar and Rohit Sharma, the two commanders, conveyed their disappointment regarding the surface to match referee Chris Broad. Broad noted in his report that the two captains considered the pitch to be substandard.
“The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on. The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce,” said Broad.
Cricket South Africa has fourteen days from the date of receipt of the report to file an appeal against the sanction, should they choose to do so.
