Bad light has cast a shadow over the South Africa vs Australia Test match at Kingsmead, Durban, resulting in the loss of nearly 45 overs over three days. These interruptions are adding complexity to Australia’s plans as they aim to convert their favourable position into a victory in the series opener.
With the test match concluding early each day due to overcast skies and haze – a frequent issue in Durban where the sun sets earlier – there’s a risk that about 30 overs could still be lost. How Australia handles their second innings will be crucial. “There’s nothing that we can do about it,” remarked Australian bowler Nathan Lyon. “Whether it’s cloud or smog or whatever way you want to describe it, it is playing a role, but we can’t control it.”
At the end of day three, Australia sits with a 139-run lead, thanks to a rapid opening stand between Nic Maddinson and Travis Head. Returning to Test cricket after nearly a decade, Maddinson shrugged off a pair by smashing the first ball for four and then launched a six before light issues halted play. Ryan Rickleton, fielding on the boundary, seemed to struggle with visibility amid dimming conditions.
Historically, Kingsmead has seen three successful 300-plus run chases, with the highest being South Africa’s 335 against Australia in 2002. Ideally, Australia would add runs at about four per over across 50 overs, stretching their lead to around 350 before calling on South Africa to bat again. However, the home team could counter this if they adopt an aggressive stance, which their batting coach Ashwell Prince anticipates. “I think tomorrow, starting with the 100-run lead, we might see more of what we saw this evening from their aggressive approach,” Prince commented. He added, “Obviously, we have to be alert to that.”
Despite being down, South Africa isn’t bereft of hope after their last pair put on 87 valuable runs, suggesting an upset could be possible if they can dismiss Australia for roughly 200. “You’ve got to look to take wickets,” Prince maintained, highlighting the role South Africa’s spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj could play. “We’ll see a bit more of the spinners tomorrow, maybe a few innovative field placings.”
The notion of using a pink ball has been floated as a potential solution for extending play when light fades early, a subject broached by Shaun Pollock of the ICC Cricket Committee. While both teams did not consider this option for the current Test, Pollock remains steadfast that adaptation could benefit the game. “We should have used the pink ball for the day game,” Pollock pointed out on SuperSport. “Don’t be scared to use the pink ball.”
As the World Test Championship incentivises victories with 12 points versus four for a draw, both teams have much to ponder. Australia may proceed conservatively regarding any declaration, considering both historical precedents and the unpredictable elements at play.
