Mark Nicholas and Shaun Pollock inspected the pitch on Day 3 of the South Africa vs Australia Test in Gqeberha. Pollock said, "it looks like a good pitch for batting." Aiden Markram noted that the team had good preparation and the players are hungry to get a good result.
13:11 IST:PITCH REPORT - Mark Nicholas is pitchside with Shaun Pollock for a look at the surface. Mark notes that the pitch was much greener when play began on Day 1, and Shaun agrees that it has browned off. Pollock further adds that there is a little bit of scarring, but nothing significant, and the surface hasn't changed dramatically. Shaun mentions that the roller has been used, which should help flatten things out, and it looks like a good pitch for batting. Believes that the southeasterly wind could offer the bowlers some assistance with swing.
Aiden Markram has a chat with Natalie Germanos - Markram says the preparations have been good coming into this match. Shares that they have had a couple of productive sessions as well. He also feels that the extra day has made a big difference for the South Africa camp. The preparation, he says, has gone really well. Details that the weather has been wonderful in the build-up, though it does not look all that great at the moment. On how the surface might behave, he notes that it is something the side will have to assess in the moment, getting a feel for it in the first few overs and shaping their plans from there. He does not want the team walking in with preconceived ideas. Also says that there is a general understanding of how the wicket plays in Port Elizabeth, which stays at the back of the mind, but with the weather around and a really warm build-up, making those calls is tricky. Ultimately, he says, it will all be decided out in the middle. Markram even confesses that he spent some time thinking about it in bed last night and could not recall much about how the wicket plays here. What he does know is that he enjoys playing cricket in any format, for any team, and the stadium usually brings good fun and good energy. Adds that he and the boys are looking forward to it and are really hungry to land a good result over the next five days. Reflecting on the previous game, Markram credits Australia for starting well, something South Africa have not always managed in recent times. He admits they can be slow starters, though he was impressed with the start his side made this time. Accepts that the opposition played nicely with the ball going a bit softer, and that they produced better cricket for longer periods. Mentions that South Africa showed glimpses of organised, quality play but could not stretch it far enough to put pressure back on them. That, he says, is what it ultimately comes down to. He does not believe a new skill set can be developed in three days. Talks about the plan being to back what has got them here, back the methods they feel can bring success on this ground, and sustain that for really long periods of play. If they manage that, Markram feels they give themselves a good chance.