South African batsman Khaya Zondo
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- Proteas batsman Khaya Zondo says he expects next week’s second Test at the MCG to last more than three days.
- The Proteas follow up the three match Test series 1-0 following a six wicket defeat in two days on a green Brisbane pitch.
- Zondo hopes there will be an even contest between bat and ball in Melbourne.
Proteas batsman Khaya Zondo hopes to play a Test lasting more than three days before Monday’s Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Last weekend the Proteas batsmen were outclassed in the opening Test as they were bowled out for 152 and 99 on a green Gabba pitch.
Zondo scored a duck and an unbeaten 36 as South Africa fell to a six wicket defeat in two days.
In a strange series of events, Zondo has not had the experience of five-day cricket, as the three Tests he has played have lasted only three days or less.
“I was telling one of my teammates earlier in the week that the two games I have are over in about two days. Both have been very bowling-friendly pitches, but I mean, you don’t pick the conditions you can play in. as a player,” Zondo told reporters Wednesday morning.
“Those are the cards we’ve been dealt. Obviously I’d love a flat track as a batsman and the bowlers would hate it. I’m sure the more games and chances I get the better I’ll be able to play.” batting wickets”.
READ | ‘Not an even contest’ – ICC slams Gabba’s ‘below average’ launch, awards Aus one point of demerit
On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded Gabba a demerit as it deemed the Brisbane ground “not an even contest”.
Attentions now turn to the MCG with promises of a fairer contest between bat and ball.
The last Test played at the MCG was in December 2021, where Australia defeated England by an innings and 14 runs over three days in their Ashes series.
Zondo hopes next week’s pitch will do better as he hopes the Proteas’ hitting attack can handle whatever comes their way.
“It’s probably going to be a little bit better than what I’ve gotten so far, but look, we’ll wait and see what we get,” Zondo said.
“I think you can’t play a game before you’re actually in it. Is it going to be good or bad? I don’t think it’s a good space for us as a team or hitters to really think about it until we actually get there and see what What is it.
“I don’t think they’ll set up a pitch like they did last time because that pitch we just came off of was considered below average, so I’m sure there will be an effort to make it more fair in terms of bats and balls.”
Monday’s game starts at 01:20 SA time.
