Adelaide Oval curator Les Burdett says Tasmanian off-spinner Jason Krejza has an “exciting opportunity” to follow in the footsteps of Tim May by making use of the bounce and turn available in Friday’s second Test.
New Zealand are considering playing a second spinner Jeetan Patel to partner skipper Daniel Vettori, while Australia are set to recall Krejza, who didn’t play in last week’s first Test on the seam-friendly Gabba pitch.
Burdett said Krejza, who took 12 wickets on debut in India earlier this month, would be licking his lips at the pace of the turn in Adelaide compared to the SCG, which is traditionally regarded as Australia’s prime spinning track.
“He (May) loved bowling in Adelaide more than anywhere else in the world. Even Sydney takes turn but Adelaide has more bounce and turn,” Burdett told AAP on Tuesday.
“Sydney is a slower turn.
“Look at Tim’s figures for Test cricket. His best-ever for Test cricket is five-for nine against the West Indies (in 1992-93) at Adelaide Oval.”
Often a support act for leg-spinner Shane Warne, May’s 75 wickets at 34.74 in 24 Tests included 15 at 29.13 in four Adelaide matches.
Burdett’s Adelaide Oval deck has produced only two Test draws since 1992, although one was last year against India.
But memories of Warne inspiring Australia to a remarkable victory in the Adelaide Test against England two years ago linger for Burdett, who is confident of producing another good cricket wicket.
“The Adelaide Oval pitch, what we will produce in this game is maximum bounce that we can get out of it,” said Burdett, who expects Australia’s pace attack led by Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson to also be prominent.
“Nothing much has changed in Adelaide in all the years I’ve been here,” added Burdett, who has been head curator since 1978.
“I have just tried to prepare a pitch that is not responsible for the demise of the batsman.
“That’s a responsibility I have.”
Asked if three draws in Sheffield Shield matches this season were an indication of how the traditionally batting-friendly pitch would play for the second Test, Burdett said: “I would ignore those draws.
“I was at all three after-match meetings between captains and coaches and everyone was of the opinion that the three pitches were excellent and good for cricket and not the fault of having the draw.”
AAP gab/gc
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