South Africa captain Dean Elgar stated he requested the umpires if the inexperienced Gabba wicket was unsafe for taking part in after his workforce crumbled and suffered a six-wicket loss to Australia inside two days within the first Test on Sunday.
South Africa was bowled out for 152 within the first innings on the formerly-named Brisbane Cricket Ground. It was then routed for 99 shortly after tea on day two, leaving Australia needing simply 34 runs for a 1-0 lead within the three-match collection.
The state of the pitch, which performed into the house bowlers’ arms, raised questions after 19 wickets fell on day two and 15 on day one.
“You’ve got to ask yourself if that’s a good advertisement for our format. 34 wickets in two days, pretty one-sided affair I would say,” the Proteas captain informed reporters. “I don’t think it was a very good test wicket, no.”
The wicket, which was so inexperienced it was indiscernible from the outfield on day one, quickened on day two and have become pock-marked with divots because the match wore on.
“I did ask the umpires when KG (Kagiso Rabada) got hit at down leg. I said how long does it go on for until it’s potentially unsafe?” added Elgar.
“I know the game was dead and buried. It was never to try and change or put a halt to the game, no doubt. But I don’t know, that’s obviously where the umpire’s discretion comes into play, not us as players.”
Australia was 24-4 when Rabada claimed 4 fast wickets however Marnus Labuschagne (5 not out) and a scoreless Cameron Green survived as they noticed out the win.
Elgar felt there may have been a distinct consequence had South Africa set Australia one other 60 runs to chase.
“I’m still trying to wrap my brain around what’s happened the last two days,” he added.
The Gabba has lengthy been a fortress for Australia, who’ve misplaced simply as soon as on the floor since 1988. South Africa have now did not win a take a look at on the Gabba in 5 makes an attempt.
The groups will meet subsequent on the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day for the second Test.