Bouncy track awaits India at Kingsmead for the second Test

Kingsmead in Durban has the reputation of being South Africa's fastest and bounciest track. That reputation is unlikely to be threatened during the second Test between India and South Africa.

As if that were not enough worry for Team India, whose discomfort with the bouncing ball was clear during the first Test at Centurion, the wicket here has absorbed a lot of moisture.

That’s a deadly mix, just what Dale Steyn & Co will be hoping for. That very combination, one may recall, had spelt doom for India at Centurion.

The coastal city of Durban in Kwazulu-Natal has been witnessing an unusually extended spell of damp weather and if one goes by what pitch curator Wilson Ngobese says, the signs for India could be more ominous.

“We’ve had a lot of rains and the days lately have been a bit cold and breezy," Ngobese said. "This situation can lead to a bit of swing and seam."

He, of course, confirmed the bounce factor. “Traditionally the pitch has provided a lot of bounce and it should stay like that," the curator said. There was a rider, however. “Your batsmen should be happy if the ball comes on to them, isn’t it?"

The dig at Indian batsmen in the comment, if any, was unintended. The real question is: would the batsmen like the ball to come on to them with so much pace, movement and rise?

“They should have expected this and been prepared," said former South Africa captain and Durban native Shaun Pollock. “I can’t say if it is good news or bad news for your players, but what I see is, it has to be the way it has been."

Locals, however, say the Kingsmead wicket may have experienced a lot of wear and tear since cricket has been played almost non-stop there for quite some time.

There is also a theory going around that the local team Dolphins have been insisting on a spinning pitch for the domestic competition, but the curator and Pollock rubbished the prospect of the pitch mellowing down.

“I don’t think that is going to happen," the former opening bowler said. "The pitch should be as it has been. There will not be any change here. The ball will be bouncing for sure."

Added Ngobese: “This particular pitch has been quite fresh. Only two games have been played since the Champions League T20 in September earlier this year.’’

The Indians arrive here on Thursday for the Test that starts on Sunday. How long they will stay in this city of beautiful beaches will depend on how long will they survive on South Africa's version of Australia's WACA.