The much-anticipated three-match Test series between India and South Africa is all set to commence on December 26 (Sunday) at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The series will be a part of the second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.
The Proteas have suffered a major blow ahead of the series, with Anrich Nortje ruled out due to a persistent hip injury. Much rests on Kagiso Rabada’s form going into the Test series. This will be South Africa’s first series in the World Test Championship and will look to start the series on a high.
.@imVkohli's transformation 👏
Excitement about SA challenge 👌
Initial few months as Head Coach ☺️Rahul Dravid discusses it all as #TeamIndia gear up for the first #SAvIND Test in Centurion. 👍 👍
Watch the full interview 🎥 🔽https://t.co/2H0FlKQG7q pic.twitter.com/vrwqz5uQA8
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2021
On the other hand, India will be riding with confidence after whitewashing the Kiwis at home in a two-match Test series. The onus will be on Virat Kohli, who will be under the spotlight after being released on ODI captaincy.
South Africa vs India Match Details:
Match: South Africa vs India, 1st Test, South Africa vs India Test Series.
Date and Time: December 26 2021, Sunday, 01:30 PM IST.
Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Pitch Report
The wicket in Centurion is known for favouring the batters. The new ball is expected to seam and swing and if the batters can look after the new ball, the batters can play big knocks.
Meanwhile, the pacers are expected to get some extra bounce.
South Africa vs India – Predicted Playing XI
India: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Keegan Petersen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Wiaan Mulder/ Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa vs India – Match Prediction
The Boxing Day Test starts on an exciting note as Virat Kohli & Co chase their maiden Test win in 29 years. Both sides look formidable and an exciting contest is on the cards.
However, considering the recent performances, India are likely to win the encounter and go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
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