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South Africa vs India First Test Tips - Tussle for supremacy between two proud teams

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

25 Dec 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 25 Dec 2023

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South Africa vs India First Test predictions to be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion starting From Boxing Day
South Africa have won their last 6 home Tests
India have lost 5 of their last 7 away Tests against South Africa

Ca South Africa pull away from India in the Tests once again? (Gallo Images)

South Africa vs India First Test

South Africa is the only country where India have never won a Test series and that’s enough incentive for both teams as they prepare for the two-match Test series. The first of the matches will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from Boxing Day on Tuesday.

South Africa vs India First Test
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
India Form
India Team News

India scramble for the right combination to achieve their ambition. Questions remain over the Proteas too, but they have shown time and again that home conditions are a big advantage when they play India. The venue advantage is a big reason why I am backing South Africa to win this match.

South Africa have won their last 6 home matches (Tests)
South Africa have won 11 of their last 13 matches played at this venue (Tests)
India have lost 5 of their last 7 away matches against South Africa (Tests)
India have also lost 2 of their 3 matches played at this venue (Tests)

Head to Head

There have been 42 Tests in total between South Africa and India so far. Of these, there were 15 wins for India and 17 wins for South Africa with the remaining 10 ending in a draw.

The last time these teams played in Test matches was in 2021-22 when India toured for a three-match series. India won the first match at this venue by 113 runs but lost the next two by seven wickets each to lose the series 2-1.

South Africa Form

South Africa were last seen in the Tests in February – March of this year when they hosted the Windies for a two-match series. That was clean-swept by the hosts including an 87-run win at this venue.

This is the first match of the new WTC cycle for the Proteas and they would be eager to maximize their points. With a difficult away series against Bangladesh and New Zealand on the cards, they can’t miss the chance to win maximum points at home.

The focus was evident in the white-ball series preceding this series as the South Africans rested their Test regulars to let them play in the domestic four-day series.

South Africa Team News

The biggest question in the South African camp is about the fitness of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Tristan Stubbs, Nandre Burger and Wiaan Mulder are likely to sit out with the other slot a toss-up between Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj or a batter.

India Form

India’s last tryst with the Tests was in a two-match series in the West Indies. They won that 1-0 with the second match ending in a draw after the final day was washed out.

The visitors are going through a generational change with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane both dropped from the team. After consecutive finalist appearances in the WTC cycles, India would be keen to go a step better this time.

Rohit Sharma’s team had a closed-door practice game against India ‘A’ team not far from this venue. With most of the players having been involved in the white-ball series too, the visitors will hope that acclimatisation isn’t a problem.

India Team News

India’s questions start from the top where they are yet to decide who their openers would be. Srikar Bharat could sit out as KL Rahul is expected to don the gloves. Mukesh Kumar could edge out Prasidh Krishna unless they feel Prasidh’s height and bounce is an advantage. Shardul Thakur’s seaming all-rounder skills give him an edge over Ravichandran Ashwin.

South Africa vs India First Test FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs India First Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs India First Test live stream.

What time does South Africa vs India First Test start?

This South Africa vs India First Test will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26, Tuesday starting at 1:30pm IST.

Verdict

I am backing South Africa in this match, purely because of their record at this venue. With rain around on the first two days, there are chances that this match may end up in a draw as well. The markets favour India at the moment, but the odds on offer for South Africa no bet are very enticing for me.