Weather conditions and the state of the pitch will be key factors at Centurions Park in the coming days. This was acknowledged by both Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and Australian captain Pat Cummins ahead of the second Test.
Despite Australia leading the series 1-0 after a victory in Durban by 214 runs, the prospect of coastal rain and wind turns this match into a test of the team's ability to adapt to the changing pace of the game.
Instead of letting potential weather delays disrupt their momentum, Cummins' team views the changing elements in the Eastern Cape as a challenge perfectly suited for their experienced squad.
When asked about the forecast, Cummins stated on Saturday: 'You can't do that much about it, and tactically it probably won't change much what we are going to do.' He continued: 'Maybe T20 or one day is different, but I really like this challenge of playing what is in front of you, all the different paces and things that are presented to you over five days. I have always enjoyed this as a bowler and a captain.'
The Australian captain noted that historical data at this venue offers few clear indications, given the time of year and the prevailing winds blowing from the coast. 'It's hard to know,' Cummins remarked, recalling previous matches at the stadium. 'A couple of years difference, and it's February, March, January. So it's hard to figure out.'
As strong coastal gusts are expected during the match, Cummins admitted that close attention to coastal conditions remains part of pre-match preparation. 'Another big factor here is that it looks like there will be windy days,' Cummins added. 'What does that mean for rain? Will it linger? Will it be long? So I don't know. I will try to ask the ground keeper, see if anyone wants to talk to me, suggest any ideas.'
Despite Australia's current momentum, Gqeberha rarely provides an easy path for visitors. This venue has tested Australians for a long time, as visitors have managed only three wins in seven visits. It was here in PE that South Africa leveled the score in that infamous 2018 series, which triggered a comeback that changed the entire tournament.