Weather forecast for Kingsmead, Durban suggest that there could be rain on all the five days of the 2nd Test match between India and South Africa due to moist easterly winds from the Indian Ocean. Being close to the sea, Durban witnesses frequent sporadic showers that do not continue for a longer period. Durban remains under the influence of winds from nearby large water bodies (the Indian Ocean) during December.
The high levels of relative humidity would be a test for the fitness of the players. Also, Durban Test matches are prone to bad lights. The temperatures would be moderate with maximums settling around 26 degrees and minimums at 18 degrees.
The pitch in Kingsmead considered to be the second fastest after Perth in Australia has been kept under cover for a long period now and could produce variable bounce. This may force the team winning the toss to field first. Kingsmead is below the sea level and known for flurry of wickets during high tides.
Durban is known for the first home Test venue after South Africa's readmission into international cricket in early 90s and also for the historical Test match between South Africa and England which lasted 10 days and was called off due to the fear of visiting team missing the ship to home way back in 1939. Kingsmead in Durban hosted the first Test match on January 18, 1923 between South Africa and England. The match ended in a draw.
Photograph by Riana