Share

Gibson: SA pitches for Zim were 'disappointing'

Cape Town - Proteas coach Ottis Gibson has joined the chorus of criticism levelled against the pitches for the first two ODIs against Zimbabwe. 

While South Africa won the three-match series comfortably (3-0) the wickets for the first two fixtures in Kimberley and then Bloemfontein did not make for good viewing. 

READ: Hashim Amla out of Aussie tour

The wicket in Kimberley was considered far too slow, while the one that followed in Bloemfontein was incredibly inconsistent with some balls staying low and others shooting up off a length. 

And while Gibson said he learnt a lot from Zimbabwe's visit, he did express his views on the first two pitches. 

"You don't want to be too harsh on groundsman and it's early season, but from a players' point of view it's disappointing because whilst we are creating opportunities, we still need to have decent facilities to play on," the coach said on Sunday after the 3rd T20I in Benoni was rained out.

"In a place like Kimberley you're probably going to have one game a year and one opportunity to get it right, and they probably did as well as they could.

"It's always been a good facility and last year we got 280/0 there. They've obviously had some challenges in the winter and that can happen, I guess.

"The wicket in Bloem looked a good wicket until we played on it. Dale (Steyn) had his tail up again that night and some kept low and some bounced up, which is not what you want."

South African wickets have been in spotlight over the past few months ever since the third Test against India in Johannesburg in January when the match was nearly abandoned due to a dangerous Wanderers strip.  

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE