AUS v SA 2022-23: “I don't think it was a very good Test wicket”- Dean Elgar asked umpires if Gabba pitch was unsafe

South Africa was shot out for 152 and 99 in two innings, losing the 1st Test inside 2 days.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar said he asked the umpires if the green Gabba wicket was unsafe for playing after Proteas were defeated inside two days in the first Test match in Brisbane by 6 wickets. The pitch was lush green which saw South Africa get bowled out for 152 and 99 in two innings.

Australia made 218 with Travis Head making 92 and then chased down the 34-run target with the loss of 4 wickets. Kagiso Rabada was the best bowler for the Proteas picking 4 wickets each in both innings.

The state of the pitch, which played into the home bowlers' hands, raised questions after 19 wickets fell on day two and 15 on day one.

"You've got to ask yourself if that's a good advertisement for our format. 34 wickets in two days, pretty one-sided affair I would say. I don't think it was a very good test wicket, no,” Dean Elgar told reporters.  

AUS v SA 2022-23: Cricket fraternity slams Gabba green top after Australia blow South Africa away inside 2 days

"I did ask the umpires when KG (Kagiso Rabada) got hit at down leg. I said how long does it go on for until it's potentially unsafe? I know the game was dead and buried. It was never to try and change or put a halt to the game, no doubt. But I don't know, that's obviously where the umpire's discretion comes into play, not us as players,” Elgar added.

Elgar felt there could have been a different outcome had South Africa set Australia another 60 runs to chase.

"I'm still trying to wrap my brain around what's happened the last two days," he added.

The teams will meet next at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day for the second Test.

(Reuters inputs)