IND vs SA Pitch Report: Bowlers can get reverse swing during India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens is all set to host the first Test match between India and South Africa (IND vs SA 1st Test), starting from November 14.

This will be the first test in Kolkata after six years. The two-match Test series is considered very vital for the ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). The pitch of the Eden Gardens is expected to be a pace-friendly surface for the first couple of days because of its black soil. The weather also can play a part in the game.

In Kolkata, the temperature during the morning hours and during the closing moments of the match is expected to be cold. The combination of black soil and lower temperature can help the pacers to generate some reverse swing. Will there be any grass on the deck? As per the latest reports, there can be a very thin layer of grass, which may be helpful for the fast bowlers during the initial stage of the Test. As the amount of grass cover is expected not to be very high, batters can face difficulties once the ball gradually starts to lose some pace.

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India vs South Africa 1st Test, Eden Gardens Pitch Report 

Parallel, batters can get extra help from the quick outfield of Eden Gardens. Because of the same black soil, the ball normally moves quicker on the outfield of this ground, which helps the batting side to gain some more extra runs on the scoreboard. Interestingly, at Eden Gardens, fast bowlers have gained more success than the spin bowlers in this format.

According to a report published by ESPNcricinfo, "It is understood that the Eden Gardens pitch is expected to roughen up quickly, facilitating reverse swing for the fast bowlers. There is another encouraging fact for the quicks there: in the last 15 years, it is Kolkata where fast bowlers have recorded the highest wicket percentage (61%) with 97 wickets in six red-ball tests."