Fast, seaming track to be India's worst nightmare in Cape Town

The stage is all set for the first Test of the much awaited South Africa vs India Test series. The 3-match Test series commences on January 5 with the first Test to be played in Cape Town. Over the years, the track at Newlands has been the most surprising one in the South African nation. It is never easy to comprehend what the track would come up with during a game.

As per the recent reports, it is being speculated that the hosts are keen on exploiting the weaknesses of the Indian team. The track at the Newlands, Cape Town, is all set to be a fast and seaming track. The curators have been working hard to attain the same. Reportedly, the home team is keen on serving the hosts with the hostility they had received on their tour to India in 2015-16.

Back in 2015-16 season, South Africa had toured India for a four match Test series. They were served with dusty tracks that assisted the Indian spinners big time. As a result of the same, the Proteas ended up losing the series and surrendering meekly to the Indian side. A 0-3 drubbing is what they had received on the tour.

And now, they are keen on playing a similar tactic. As the modern day game has been progressing, the home side often opts to play to their strengths and exploit the weaknesses of the opposition. Over the years, the inability of the Indian players to play well on fast and seaming tracks is well known to many.

Special curators flown in

The reports suggest that the curator of Centurion, Bryan Bloy, had flown to Newlands, Cape Town, to help the local curator Evan Flint tailor the wicket.

“The boys don’t just want a fast wicket, they also want seam movement. The idea is to work on South Africa’s strength and India’s weakness. Bloy was flown in to assist Flint in his preparations. I would like to believe this is how modern-day cricket works with home teams playing to their strength. Remember the 2015 series between these two teams in India?” CricketNext quoted CSA official as saying.

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