Newlands surface rated as "unsatisfactory"

The Newlands surface used for the second Test between South Africa and India has been rated "unsatisfactory" by the International Cricket Council. 

The decision, made under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, comes after Newlands hosted the shortest-ever completed Test match, with just 642 balls bowled in total.

As a result, the venue has received one demerit point. If a venue reaches six demerit points, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months. 

The penalty is 24 months in case of 12 demerit points. These points remain active for a rolling five-year period. 

The match got over inside five sessions. The Proteas were bundled out for just 55 in the first innings, while India managed 153 in response. They lost six wickets for zero runs. 

Aiden Markram scored a ton in the second innings but India hunted down a target of 79 with seven wickets to spare.

“The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on. The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots,” said match referee Chris Broad. 

“Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce.”

Cricket South Africa have 14 days to appeal against the sanction.