Cricket

Losing play to wet weather is one thing.

But with around three-and-a-half-hours (50 overs) of play already lost in the First Test in Durban, and more dull conditions expected, bad light is threatening to ruin the chance of a result between the world’s No.1 and No.2 teams.

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Unpredictable weather and light means October is always a tricky time of year for red-ball cricket in many parts of South Africa, which is why historically Test matches are rarely played in the autumn.

As a side note the unusual timing of the current series also helps to explain, at least in part, why the Kingsmead crowds have been so sparse over the first three days.

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But back to the weather, where the culprit in Durban has been fading light rather than downpours. 

Given its location near the coast, Kingsmead Stadium is often affected by thick clouds, coastal haze and sea smog that routinely blows in during the afternoon.

These conditions have been further compounded by Durban’s early sunsets at this time of year — hence play has been starting at 9:30 am local time — forcing premature finishes on each of the first three days, including day one which was halted at 3.23pm local time when Australia was delicately placed at 6-187 and no doubt glad to get back to the team hotel.

Bad light notwithstanding, strong showings on days two and three see Australia head into the fourth day as the most likely victor — if there is one.

Having bowled South Africa out for 284, the tourists will begin at 0-33 in their second innings, a lead of 139 with all ten wickets still in hand.

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It’s a commanding position, but the biggest challenge for Pat Cummins’ side is almost certainly time. 

If the light keeps closing in early, and there’s little in the forecast to suggest otherwise, more overs are likely to be lost.

This may force the Australians into an uncomfortable declaration against a dangerous South African batting line-up that, when things click, can chase down almost any total.

History says only three totals over 300 have ever been reached at Kingsmead in the fourth innings of a Test, the highest being South Africa’s 335 against Australia back in 2002. 

But in the helter-skelter era of T20 cricket anything is possible and records are there to be broken.

Monday’s forecast says there’s just a 5-10 per cent chance of showers while Tuesday also looks largely dry.

That leaves the light as the real opponent to a result in Durban.

Unless the skies brighten there’s a strong chance this series could head to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for the Second Test locked 0-0.

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Thankfully, the sunsets are later there given the city sits further west.