Toss to be crucial factor in Durban Test: Curator

Durban : With forecast of rain, the curator of Kingsmead Stadium feels that toss will be a crucial factor in the second Test between India and South Africa starting here on Sunday.

The track looks green and is rock solid, but if it doesn’t get enough sun, Wilson Ngobese believes that a repeat of Centurion where the toss became a major factor because of the moisture retained by the covered pitch.

After heavy rains in the last week, the pitch has received sunlight only on Tuesday and Wednesday. Though Tuesday was overcast, it didn’t rain.

“I want to give a wicket that is fair for everybody. It must not excessively help the bowlers too, and then if you can’t bat I can’t help it. But we are expecting more rain till the start of the match, and I am hoping for more such sunny days. Still, it should help the bowlers with good bounce,” said Ngobese, who looked visibly relieved after uncovering the pitch.

BBC Weather has forecast light rains for Friday and Saturday, and heavy showers for the first day of the match.

Ngobese said a lot depended on the weather.

“If that man [pointing towards the sky] has other plans, I am helpless. The sea breeze will help the bowlers, but the one blowing from west to east, into the Indian Ocean, can prove dangerous – for the batsmen and the game. That’s because the breeze from the west will bring rain, and the one from the sea will blow it away,” he said.