Reverse swing is likely to play a major role in the first Test between India and South Africa, starting November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The pitch, made of black soil, is expected to offer good bounce early on but slow down as the match progresses.
Four days before the match, the surface is already devoid of live grass, with only a couple of millimetres expected by the start. Unlike Delhi’s docile track during the West Indies series, Kolkata’s pitch is predicted to roughen up quickly, aiding reverse swing.
Eden Gardens has historically favoured fast bowlers, who have taken 61% of wickets in red-ball Tests there over the past 15 years. Cooler morning and evening conditions could further assist seamers with lateral movement, making the toss less decisive.
South Africa arrive fresh from their drawn series in Pakistan, where their spinners shone on turning tracks. This will be their fourth Test at Eden Gardens, where they last played in 2010. The iconic venue last hosted a red-ball Test in 2017, which ended in a draw against Sri Lanka.
