Visitors aim to break winless streak in South Africa as rain threatens first Test
In the upcoming ‘Friendship Series’ between South Africa and India, both teams are hoping for a decisive result in the first Test match at SuperSport Park in Centurion. However, their hopes might be dampened by the looming threat of rain, which could lead to multiple interrupted or washed-out sessions.
Both South Africa and India are desperate for a victory in this series. For India, South Africa is the only country where they have never won a Test series. Even Sri Lanka, who have never won a Test match in India, managed to secure a series win in South Africa in 2019. On the other hand, South Africa’s limited Test cricket schedule makes winning this series crucial for their chances of reaching the World Test Championship match at Lord’s in 2025.
The availability of pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi is uncertain for the hosts, while India will have to choose between pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar. The overcast conditions are likely to lead India to select four pacers, including Shardul Thakur, and prefer left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja over off-spinner R Ashwin as the lone spinner.
KL Rahul’s willingness to extend his wicket-keeping role to Tests means S Bharat will miss out. India might include an additional pure batsman in Shreyas Iyer and opt for five bowlers due to Rahul’s versatility. However, the lack of experience of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Iyer in playing Test matches in South Africa could pose a challenge against the formidable South African bowling lineup.
Rohit Sharma expressed excitement about the challenge ahead, acknowledging that bowlers dominate in South Africa due to the bounce and lateral movement they can exploit. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions and playing to each individual’s strengths to counter the constant challenges posed by the pitch.
India will be without the injured Mohammed Shami, which will result in Rahul moving down to the middle order. Rahul’s previous contributions as an opener, including a crucial century in Centurion two years ago, make him a vital asset for India. South Africa, on the other hand, has a strong batting lineup with the likes of Captain Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, and Aiden Markram, who are expected to pose a challenge for the Indian bowlers.
South Africa has had a remarkable record in Test matches at home, with the last drawn Test in the country occurring in 2016 against New Zealand. Since then, all 32 Tests have produced decisive results, with the hosts winning 75% of them.
Rohit Sharma sees these two Tests as an opportunity for India to assess their standing as a team and break their winless streak in South Africa. He believes that a series victory in South Africa would provide the team with excitement, courage, and encouragement to perform at their best.
As the series unfolds, the performances of both the Indian and South African bowlers, including the spinners, will play a crucial role. With the challenge of adapting to South African conditions and facing a strong opposition, the series promises to be an exciting battle between bat and ball.
The first Test match between South Africa and India in the ‘Friendship Series’ is expected to be affected by rain, with multiple sessions likely to be halted or washed out. Both teams are eager to win, with India yet to secure a Test series victory in South Africa and South Africa aiming to improve their chances of reaching the World Test Championship match in 2025. The availability of pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi for South Africa and the choice between pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar for India remain uncertain. India is likely to go with four pacers and include left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner. KL Rahul’s inclusion as a wicket-keeper in Tests means S Bharat will miss out, allowing India to play an additional pure batsman in Shreyas Iyer and field five bowlers. However, India’s lack of experience playing Test matches in South Africa may pose a challenge against South African bowlers. Despite missing the injured Mohammed Shami, India’s opener KL Rahul is expected to play a crucial role in the middle-order. South Africa has a strong record at home, winning 75% of the 32 Tests played since the last drawn Test in 2016. India’s captain Rohit Sharma sees this series as an opportunity for his team to win their first series in South Africa and believes that every bowler, including spinners, will have a significant role to play.
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