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Hazlewood Says Reverse Swing May Be a Factor in South Africa Test Series
On Friday, Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood predicted reverse swing will remain crucial for the three-Test series against South Africa, expecting abrasive pitches at St George's Park in Gqeberha to replicate Durban conditions.
Reverse swing has largely faded in recent years due to greener wickets and lush outfields keeping the ball newer, but South Africa's abrasive surfaces are reviving the art by allowing the ball to scuff up.
During the Durban victory, Hazlewood took career-best figures of 6-49 in the fourth innings. He noted, "We probably got a hint of swing in the first innings and then as the game goes it just deteriorates more and you get a bit more."
Ahead of Sunday's second Test, Hazlewood noted the looming recall of Kagiso Rabada to the Proteas squad, calling the fast bowler a "material change factor" given his strike rate and ability to create "havoc."
Forecast rain on the first two days of the Gqeberha Test may influence play, though conditions are expected to mimic Durban as teams focus on managing the ball on abrasive wickets.