Temba Bavuma assertion, on the post-match press convention after South Africa’s sensational win on the Eden Gardens within the first India vs South Africa Take a look at, took the pitch difficulty head-on. In response to a query relating to the floor he stated, “Yeah, it’s in all probability true. I believe the wicket that was ready is what I perceive was requested on their facet. We’ve come right here figuring out that the wickets are going to be spinner-friendly.”

Bavuma’s personal 55 off 136 balls within the first innings was, ultimately, the distinction in a low-scoring affair the place each run counted. The South African was unflappable on the crease, batting on a pitch that was sluggish and sharply turning, providing uneven bounce and treacherous skidding, and India’s lack of comparable utility within the run-chase was in stark distinction to Bavuma’s innings.

The Pitch Backfires: IND vs SA

The Kolkata Eden Gardens Take a look at match had been the discuss of the city, even earlier than the final ball was bowled on Day 5. Dry and under-prepared, the floor supplied prodigious flip proper from Day 1, a lot to the Indians’ delight who reportedly had requested the curator to have such a floor. Nevertheless, the bounce was inconsistent, making it robust to play pictures and defensive pictures particularly prone to show and bounce.

India had supposed on the pitch to be a sport changer, a turning monitor on which the trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav would run riot. As an alternative, it was the off-spinner Simon Harmer (8 wickets within the match) who had the ball of the match as he set the tone from ball one.

On being requested his opinion on the pitch, Bavuma replied whereas on the post-match press convention on a comparatively even keel, however not with out his personal India cricket evaluation on the much-debated difficulty.