After the Day 1 of the second Test between India and South
Africa concluded, the match seems to be in the perfect balance as India fought
back with quick wickets during the final stages of the game. Ravichandran
Ashwin took 3 wickets on the first day to dismantle the top order of the
Proteas.
As a result, Aiden Markram opined that he expected quicker
wickets with little help for the spinners. However, he also stated that the
Proteas have taller ballers that can generate more bounce, so how the Indian
batsmen react would be something to assess.
"In terms of bowling, we have got taller bowlers who
are used to the conditions and it would be interesting to see how the Indians
bat and make an assessment," Aiden Markram was quoted saying on Cricinfo.
"We've got taller bowlers than what the Indians have.
That is the only difference I see."
He then stated that the pitch at Centurion wasn’t as he expected.
Markram plays for the Titans and is completely aware of the conditions at
Centurion given that it is his home ground. He claimed that the pitch didn’t
have as much pace and bounce as he had hoped.
"It was a little bit different. Generally, there is
good pace and bounce. It is still there but it lacked the extra pace that the
usual wicket at Supersport is like," Markram said.
“But there is just about enough in it for both batsmen and
bowlers. It is a wicket where the contest is always happening. Ideally, we
would have liked to have it quicker but I don't think it's something bad."
The opener was highly praiseful for Ravi Ashwin, stating
that the team "didn't expect there would be so much assistance for him
(Ashwin)", before claiming that the offie is a tricky customer to face
even on flat decks.
"He was difficult to face but he is difficult to face on a flat wicket as well. It will be interesting to see if the pitch does get harder or if it will continue to spin or if it spun like that because of grass covering," Markram said.
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