South Africa captain Dean Elgar has slammed the Gabba pitch as unsuitable for Test cricket after his team crumbled and suffered a six-wicket loss to Australia within two days in the first Test on Sunday.
South Africa were bowled out for 152 in the first innings at the Gabba, which was previously known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground. They were then dismissed for 99 shortly after tea on day two, giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The state of the pitch, which played into the home bowlers’ hands, 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 told reporters.
“I don’t think it was a very good Test wicket, no.”
The wicket, which was so green it was indiscernible from the outfield on day one, quickened on day two and became pock-marked with divots as 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.
