Contrasts in Cricket: Preparation for Pretoria vs Dhaka and Chattogram Tests
The key link between Pretoria, Dhaka and Chattogram is not cricket, but moustachioed men. But the cricket pitches could not be more different. At 1,339 meters above sea level, Pretoria's playing field booms with bounce, while Dhaka at just four meter's altitude and Chattogram at sea level, offer something different.
Another notable contrast is the humidity. Pretoria rarely sees it rise above 60%, whereas Dhaka and Chattogram frequently hit 80%. These varying conditions root the challenges of preparation. A recent camp saw the South African men's Test squad prepare in Pretoria for upcoming games in Dhaka and Chattogram. Yet, one must question the advantages given the different climates and terrains.
The squad's coach, Shukri Conrad, held that a warm-up game would not replicate Test conditions. Although admitting the weather is different, he noted that hot Pretoria allowed for preparation on varied surfaces. Practice included work on seam bowling and extensive spin bowling drills. Despite scrutiny, Conrad remains assured in his method, trusting in the team's readiness.
Interestingly, only two members of the current squad have played Tests in Bangladesh: Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada. With Bavuma injured, the pressure lies on Rabada to adjust quickly to Bangladesh's conditions. His previous experience, however, was in shorter formats. Despite the arguments for preparing on similar terrains, it seems the squad's readiness hinges on resilience and adaptability.
