Without a ball being bowled there is little to infer about the quality of the surface but images of it suggested it might be good for batting.
South Africa vs West Indies | Second ODI | Saturday 18 March 2023 | Buffalo Park, East London | 13:00
To Win
Proteas 26/100 | Draw 25/1 | Windies 29/10
The focus for many will be the new players and how they slot into this team even as there are notable absences.
The question of who will open the batting with Quinton de Kock hangs in the air with skipper Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks, Tony De Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton all options.
South Africa could deploy three left-handers in the top order and might alternate partnerships and use a fluid batting order.
Lungi Ngidi is expected to be fit to return to lead the attack and will hope to pick up where he left off.
Buffalo Park is a small ground and the West Indies bowlers will need to adjust accordingly.
It is unclear at this stage how many of their spin options will be deployed given the risk bowling slower poses.
Still at least Roston Chase and Akeal Hosein are likely to play while Shannon Gabriel’s return adds experience to the pace attack.
Brandon King has been in decent touch but he really needs to kick on for the West Indies now.
Verdict: South Africa.
