India vs South Africa 1st Test: Rain Threatens to Disrupt Match in Centurion
The first match of the two-Test ‘Friendship Series’ between South Africa and India is at risk of being interrupted or washed out due to expected rain in Centurion. Both teams are eager to secure a decisive result, but the weather conditions may pose a challenge.
For India, winning a Test series in South Africa remains their only unachieved feat. Even Sri Lanka, who have never won a Test match in India, managed to secure a series victory in South Africa in 2019. As South Africa won’t have many Test matches in this cycle, winning this series is crucial for their chances of making it to the World Test Championship match at Lord’s in 2025.
In terms of team selection, India may opt for four pacers, including Shardul Thakur, due to the overcast conditions. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja is likely to be preferred over off-spinner R Ashwin as the lone spinner. KL Rahul’s eagerness to contribute as a wicket-keeper in Tests means S Bharat will miss out. India could also include batsman Shreyas Iyer and play five bowlers due to Rahul’s additional role.
However, the lack of experience for Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Iyer in playing Test matches in South Africa could be a challenge against South African pacers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, and Marco Jansen.
The match promises to be an exciting battle between two determined teams, but the weather conditions may significantly impact the outcome.
The summary provided is a news article from The Times of India. It discusses the first Test match between India and South Africa, which is part of a two-Test series called the ‘Friendship Series’. The article mentions that rain is expected to disrupt or wash out multiple sessions of the match, which could lead to a decisive result in a shorter time. Both teams are eager to win, as India has never won a Test series in South Africa, and South Africa needs to perform well to have a chance at the World Test Championship match in 2025. The article also discusses the team selection and strategies for both teams. India is likely to choose four pacers and one spinner, while South Africa is uncertain about the availability of their pacers. It also mentions the lack of experience for some Indian players in playing Test matches in South Africa. Overall, the article provides an overview of the upcoming Test match and the expectations of both teams.
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