After completing the T20Is and ODIs, the Men in Blues is set to be scheduled to play in the two-match test series in India’s South Africa tour.
India struggles with early dismissals
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl where India lost the first three wickets by the end of 12 overs. The Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 17 runs and was dismissed by Nandr Burger while Rohit Sharma was sent out with 5 runs by Kagiso Rabada.
After the dismissal of the Indian skipper, Shubman Gill was sent out by 2 runs for Nandre Burger. Nandre Burger and Kagiso Rabada were impressive as they collapsed the Indian top-order batting unit.
Nandre Burger and David Bedingham are making their debut for South Africa, while Prasidh Krishna is making his test debut for India.
After the toss, Rohit Sharma said, “Wasn’t too sure (on batting or bowling). We are quite aware of the conditions, we have been here a few times. We need to put runs on the board and the bowlers will do the job for us.”
“We do understand the challenge of batting first with the overhead conditions and the grass, but the guys are up for the challenge. Every time we come here, we come with high hopes.”
“We’ve come close in the last 2 tours. We are pretty confident with our squad and the make-up of our squad. We are playing with four seamers and a spinner. Ashwin is playing in place of Jadeja.”
“Jaddu had a bit of a back spasm, so Ashwin comes in and he is a quality spinner to have. Prasidh is making his debut, along with the other pacers Shardul, Siraj and Bumrah.”
On the other hand, Temba Bavuma, the South Africa skipper said, “We’ll bowl first. The wicket has been under covers, we want to use the moisture and make early inroads.”
“Our boys have all got into reasonably fit conditions, Lungi is the only one who’s not yet fully fit. Two debutants today – Nandre Burger and David Bedingham. We’re playing with four seamers for this one. It is always difficult to come up against India, but we are ready with our preparation.”
India Playing 11
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa Playing 11
Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (w), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger
