The India vs South Africa Test will be played in Centurion on Boxing Day but the weather is not so promising on some days.
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The India vs South Africa series will begin on December 26 with the first Test played at Centurion Park. This venue is a fortress for South Africa, having lost only once in the last decade at the venue. India has played only once at Centurion and that was in 2010 which they lost by an innings. Centurion, as a venue, has always assisted pace bowling with the wicket offering plenty of bounce and swing.
But, what will the weather in Centurion be from December 26 to December 30? According to several weather websites, the weather is not too promising on some days. On the first day of the Test match, it is expected that there will be 86 percent chances of rain while it will be cloudy for most of the day. The second day of the match has bleak weather, with 74 percent chances of heavy rain which will be sustained throughout the day. The weather will clear up on December 28 and 29. There could be some spots of rain towards the evening on December 30. Thus, if the weather has a say, then the Test match in Centurion will be a truncated one.
The selections seem straightforward. But, the absence of Rohit Sharma might hurt the top order in a big way. Rohit’s big-game and condition experience could have been the difference-maker. But, India might correct that with the inclusion of KL Rahul. Virat Kohli will be aiming to break the rut but it is the last chance for the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
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If India is uncertain about Rahane, they could pick Hanuma Vihari who was in top form in the A tour. Rishabh Pant will be aiming to cement his credentials as one of the best keepers for India. The bowling unit selects itself, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami confirmed as pacers. R Ashwin will be the sole spinner. But, there is an option to play either Shardul Thakur or Umesh Yadav.
KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur/Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
The South Africa cricket team has not recovered from so many retirements in the last couple of years. With no Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, or JP Duminy, the batting order is frail. All hopes are rested on Dean Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock. But, with Ashwin in great form, Elgar and De Kock might not find it easy.
On the bowling front, losing Anrich Nortje is a big blow. Kagiso Rabada, the team’s spearhead will now have to shoulder a massive burden. The return of Duanne Olivier, who had left South Africa on a Kolpak deal, might boost their chances.
Dean Elgar (captain), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreyne, Quinton de Kock (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi
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