IND vs SA: South Africa Ponder Guwahati Pitch Preparation After Kolkata Controversy, Says 'If They Cut More Grass...'

India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Guwahati Test: South Africa bowling coach Piet Botha expects a more batting-friendly pitch at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, but remains sceptical about the Indian curators' preparation to strip the pitch of its lush grass cover, a move which could alter the second Test's dynamics.

The second and final Test of the series starts here from Saturday with India trailing 0-1 after the defeat on a challenging Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata.

"As far as the pitch is concerned, obviously I had a look at it this morning; it's still two days to go. So it's difficult to predict if they will actually shave off more grass or not. That will obviously make a difference," Botha said during an interaction with the media ahead of the Test.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA: South Africa Bowling Coach Leaves Door Open For Kagiso Rabada's Second Test Return

"But what we have heard is that it seems to be a good batting track up front, and spin comes into the picture late. But we'll have to wait and see, maybe it starts earlier, and what the previous Test turned out to be," Botha, who has 217 first-class wickets, said.

South Africa bowling coach anticipates the early morning start to strengthen the new ball's influence, adding an extra layer of complexity to the contest as the moisture will likely make the ball swing and seam more.

"The game's starting at 9 o'clock, obviously, it will be a little bit cooler. It's quite hot at night, but obviously, there will be a bit more moisture, so I think in terms of the first hour, the new ball should play a role. For how long, we are not sure; we'll have to see," he said.

ALSO READ: IND vs SA: Sitanshu Kotak Accuses Critics Of 'Individual Agendas' In Gautam Gambhir Support Amid Kolkata Pitch Controversy

"If the wicket is good to bat on, then batting first is a good option, but if the track is like the one in Kolkata, then it hardly matters. If the ball starts turning from day one, sometimes it (batting first) doesn't really play a role, because it becomes a low-scoring game, like the last one, and then sort of batting first, second, doesn't play as big a role," he added.

"But if the pitch is going to play decently the first two days, then you obviously want to bat first, and hopefully it spins later on, and that's the reason you will want to bat first, so you can get those conditions later on and play to your advantage," he explained.