Published: Sep 08, 2016, 03:19 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 08, 2016, 03:19 PM (IST)
South Africa’s spearhead Dale Steyn has noted that the groundsmen are expected to leave some grass on the field to help the Kookaburra ball retain its shape for a longer time. Based on this the Day-Night Test at Adelaide Oval might last for full five days. Last year when Australia played against New Zealand with the pink-ball for the first time, the hosts won the series comfortably in three days by three wickets. Steyn, however mentioned, he is all set to play with the pink-ball. Considering South Africa are scheduled to play only Test matches during their tour of Australia, it will help him focus on the longest format of the game. Steyn has already 416 Test wickets to his name. ALSO READ: AUS vs SA: Harris picks his bowling attack; backs Bird
Speaking to Sports24.com, Steyn said, “It might well go four days maximum. The wicket will be a little greener because if it’s on the drier side, you will struggle to see the ball. So it has to be a bit greener, and will do a bit more. I haven’t bowled with a pink ball yet, but we have some two-day warm-up games with it. Look, it doesn’t matter to me what you place in my hand … put a tennis ball there at garden cricket and I will still be looking to beat the guy at the other end! Pink, red, white…whatever, let’s just get on with it.”
He further added, “It’s quite nice to know that this will be a tour where I will only have to pack my Test boots…line and length, patience. If you go there for a longer tour, you’ve still got in the back of your mind ‘aargh, white-ball cricket yet to come; I’ve got to change things then, up my skills set’. However, this is just about being patient and mentally strong for long periods of time. It’s great not to have to worry about the other formats.” ALSO READ: AUS include 3 rookie pacers for SA ODI series
Before their Test against Australia, South Africa are slated to participate in two Day-Night warm-up games, to get sufficient training to play on different conditions, as announced by Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday. The practice matches will begin from October 22 which will be against CA XI followed by two-day game against Victoria XI at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 19. The three-Test series is set to begin from November 3. The first Test will be played at Perth, second at Hobart and third at Adelaide Oval.
