India and South Africa are all set to face off in a two-match Test series. The first match, which will also be a Boxing Day match, will be played on December 26 at Supersport Park in Centurion.
With just two days to go before the first match between India and South Africa, it is known that the pitch for the first Test will favor the seamers. Curator Bryan Bloy talked about the surface of the first game with RevSportz and revealed about the development.
Bryan Bloy said the weather for the first two days doesn’t look great and therefore the field will have a good bounce, which will help the pacers. He also added that spinners will also get help from the surface as there will be a spin. He added:
“The forecasts for the first two days do not look very good. The pitch will help the pacers and there will be good rebound. The spinners will also have a turn and will help.”
Centurion curator Bryan Bloy ahead of the Boxing Day test between India and South Africa: “The forecast for the first two days is not looking very good. The pitch will help the pacers and there will be good bounce. The spinners will also have their turn and help.”#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/8G1sJOgWBe
– RevSportz (@RevSportz) December 23, 2023
The seamers helping the pitch will be good and bad news for both the Indian team. Over the years, batsmen have struggled to get going in South African conditions and with the surface having seamer-friendly seamers, it is likely to cause problems for batsmen.
Indian bowlers, on the other hand, will enjoy the surface more. Since last few years, pacemakers have been nothing short of exceptional in overseas conditions. They have caused problems for the opposition in their own backyard and the same is expected this time.
India are yet to win the Test series in South Africa and this time it will be a great opportunity to change their fortunes. The combination of youth and experience in the team can help the Rohit Sharma-led team achieve wonders this time.
The Indian cricket team has a great track record in the Boxing Day Tests. They have won their last three matches, two in Australia and one in South Africa. Captain Rohit Sharma would hope to register his fourth consecutive win and take an early lead in the series.
IND vs SA: India predicted XI for first Test against South Africa
India will be without the services of Mohammed Shami in the series. The fast bowler was recently ruled out of the two-match series due to ankle problems. Apart from him, goalkeeper Ishan Kishan was unavailable citing mental fatigue.
Since Shami is not there, India is expected to hand over the debut title to Prasidh Krishna. The pacer chose a five-wicket haul in the A game. His pace and ability to spin the ball could prove useful to the team. In Kishan’s absence, there is no doubt that KL Rahul will take over the starting role.
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill are likely to be in the top three. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Rahul are likely to be the core in the middle-order. The Rohit Sharma-led backing may have to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin and play Ravindra Jadeja over him, with Shardul Thakur being the pace bowling all-rounder.
Here is India’s planned XI for the first Test against South Africa:
Rohit Sharma (C) Yashasvi JaiswalShubman GillVirat KohliShreyas IyerKL Rahul (week)Ravindra JadejaShardul ThakurJasprit Bumrah, Mohamed SirajPrasidh Krishna
