Groundsman asked to prepare turning pitch for Lord’s Test

Cape Town: South Africa could face a turning pitch in the final clash of their three-Test series against England at Lord’s next week.

Sport24 reports that the grounds man at this historic ground has been informed to prepare a turning wicket for the final Test. South Africa currently leads the series 1-0, and a draw or a victory in the final Test, will see them usurp England as the No.1 Test team. England spinner Graeme Swann, who was a last minute omission from last week’s drawn Test at Headingley, will be back in the fray. He was dropped for the last game when the hosts went for an all pace attack, a plan which didn`t quite work out. In the end, part-time off-spinner Kevin Pietersen had to bowl some overs and impressed by taking four wickets. So, he and Swann could play a pivotal part if the pitch turns out to be favourable for the slow bowlers. South Africa``s Imran Tahir could also thrive in such conditions, and the decision could easily backfire on England. The clash at Lord’s starts next Thursday. ANI