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Cricket enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats as South Africa prepares to host India for the first match of the two-Test series at The SuperSport Park in Centurion. The clash, scheduled to commence from Tuesday, marks the return of Rohit Sharma as the captain of Team India, eager to put the ODI World Cup final setback behind and break the 31-year series win drought in the Rainbow nation.
Rohit’s leadership will be under scrutiny as he guides a formidable Indian side against Temba Bavuma‘s Proteas, who have experienced a mix of highs and lows in red-ball cricket.
Team India’s previous tour to South Africa saw them fall short in the Test series, and Rohit & Co. will be determined to reverse that outcome. The Indian squad comprises a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, creating a dynamic combination under Rohit’s captaincy.
Bavuma, leading the Proteas in the longest format of the game, is aware of the Indian team’s prowess and the unique challenges they pose. Having tasted success against the West Indies, the Proteas will be keen on maintaining their winning momentum but acknowledge that India shall provide a sterner test.
Tests stats and records at SuperSport Park:
- Total matches: 28
- Matches won batting first: 13
- Matches won batting second: 11
- Average 1st innings scores: 329
- Average 2nd innings scores: 316
- Average 3rd innings scores: 230
- Average 4th innings scores: 162
- Highest total recorded: 621/10 (142.1 Ov) by South Africa vs Sri Lanka
- Lowest total recorded: 101/10 (34.4 Ov) by England vs South Africa
SuperSport Park Pitch Report:
Fast bowlers have consistently held sway at SuperSport Park, and it is anticipated that both teams will leverage the additional pace options in their bowling attacks during the Boxing Day Test. Nevertheless, as the ball ages, batters are also expected to accumulate substantial runs.
Team winning the toss is likely to field first.
Also READ: SA vs IND – Stats and records of South Africa and India against each other in Test cricket
Centurion Weather Forecast:
Anticipated rainfall is likely to disrupt play during the initial two days, potentially providing seamers with additional assistance owing to surface moisture. The temperature in Centurion is predicted to be around 28 degree Celsius accompanied by 40% humidity.
South Africa vs India, Boxing Day Test, Probable Playing XI:
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar
