Kirsten wants seamer-friendly track

Faf du Plessis, Gary Kirsten and Graeme Smith during a training session.

Centurion, Feb 20 (IANS) South Africa cricket coach Gary Kirsten has requested the curator for a less turning track when they take on Pakistan in the third and final Test here at the SuperSport Park here Friday.

The Newlands wicket in the second Test in Cape Town provided assistance for spinners. Pakistani offie Saeed Ajmal claimed match figures of 10/147, though in a losing cause.

“It was a tough Test. The conditions suited (Pakistan) a lot more. They looked at home. It was like the subcontinent (but) we have to play on what we’re given. (We prefer) pitches with pace and bounce,” said South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, after his side wrapped up the series with a four-wicket win in Cape Town.

Kirsten was quoted by website sport24 on Tuesday as saying they want a seamer-friendly wicket this time around.

The Proteas boast a good record at Centurion. Of the 17 Tests played there since 1995, they have won 13 and lost only once. Also, four of the last five Tests won by South Africa at the ground were by an innings margin.

The last Test Pakistan played here was in 2007 when South Africa won by seven wickets.