IND Vs SA: Advantage pacers as reverse swing to play major role at Eden Gardens pitch

Reverse swing at Eden Gardens pitch [Source: @sports_tak/x.com]

India will take on South Africa in the first Test match of the series at the iconic Eden Gardens, and this will be the first time in six years that the venue will host a Test match. For any red-ball cricket, the pitch is always at the centre of attraction, and it remains the same for the upcoming series as well.

If the latest report is to be believed, then the Eden Gardens surface will have good carry and bounce, but the surface is going to slow down as the game progresses, and the bowlers will come into action quickly at the halfway mark.

Advantage pacers as reverse swing on the cards at Eden Gardens

According to reports by ESPNCricinfo, the black soil pitch that would be used for the Test match will be devoid of any live grass three days before the Test match, and the remaining grass cover will be shaved off when the match commences on Friday.

The pitch is expected to roughen up quickly, and this would help the pacers to get some reverse swing as the batters might have a tough time towards the last two days of the Test match. The first hour of the morning and the last hour of the evening might witness cooler temperature and that would aid the pacers as they would get lateral movement from the surface.

India to ditch spin-friendly tracks for SA series

Last year at home, India suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of New Zealand on spin-friendly decks. For the first time in ages, the Men in Blue were whitewashed in a Test series at home as the Indian batters failed to counter the spin threat.

As a result, India are wary of preparing a spin-friendly pitches against South Africa, and will pin their hopes on the pacers as reverse swing will come into play.

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