South African coach Mickey Arthur, it seems, has learned a thing or two from the Australians when it comes to calling a spade a spade.

Most importantly, he is slowly but surely mastering the art of playing with words.

 On Wednesday, even as the Indian players and officials refrained from making any statements ahead of the third and final Test, the Proteas' boss was all the more forthcoming, his displeasure over the nature of the wicket quite palpable

• When Gupte dismissed Sobers at Green Park.

"The wicket is going to break early and will deteriorate as the match progresses," said Arthur, when questioned about the nature of the wicket.

He, however, added that the South Africans were least surprised to see such a wicket.

"We were expecting this kind of a surface, especially after the way things went in the last Test," he said. "But we have done our homework well and are prepared for any eventuality."

The astute coach was of the opinion that the coin may well decide the course of match, though he was far from pleased with his own observation.

"The toss will be crucial," he said. "It's sad that the toss will play such a critical role in a Test match, but that is a reality."

With the wicket devoid of any grass and cracks expected as the match progresses, South Africa may well be forced to resort to two spinners at Green Park and the coach is very much aware of what the situation may demand.

"Besides Paul Harris, we have all the options open. Robin Petersen is definitely an option," said Arthur, of the 29-year-old left-arm bowler who took a career-best 5 for 33 against Bangladesh in the second Test at Chittagong recently.

"He bowled well against Bangladesh and we're definitely going to consider him."