Questions over pitch after 32 wickets fall in two days

CAPE TOWN, Jan 27 (Reuters) Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer questioned the quality of the pitch after 32 wickets fell in the first two days of the deciding third test against South Africa.

South Africa, who need 161 to win, were 36 for two in their second innings at stumps today.

The pitch, bare at both ends and grassed in the middle, has proved a real problem, offering plenty of bounce and turn for all the bowlers.

''Thirty-two wickets in two days means it's either extremely bad batting, wonderful bowling, or there's something slightly wrong with the pitch,'' Woolmer told a news conference.

''In my time as South African coach I never saw a pitch behave like this. I wouldn't say it's a minefield, but it certainly is not one of the best pitches produced at Newlands over the past 10 or 15 years.'' Woolmer remained hopeful that Pakistan could win the match, which would make them the first side from the Asian sub-continent to capture a test series in South Africa.

''South Africa are favourites, but we would be stupid to come here and think we've lost the game,'' Woolmer said.

Paceman Dale Steyn, who took three for 47 in Pakistan's second innings of 186, said: ''The pitch is doing a bit, obviously, but it makes for good viewing.'' REUTERS SY MIR RAI2330