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Temba Bavuma is back! The ODI and Test skipper missed the 50-over series but South Africa are strengthened by his return. Also returning to action are seam bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, providing added depth. But the series has sentimental value, because left-handed opening batter Dean Elgar is playing his last international matches and recently announced his retirement. Elgar will partner T20I captain Aiden Markram at the top, with Bavuma coming in at No. 4 slot. Tony de Zorzi, whose ODI form was impressive and who seems certain to bat at No. 3.
On the other side, in response to this influx of key players including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah returning to action for India, the energy is palpable. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal will open with captain Rohit, while Shubman Gill is slotted down to No. 3. Bumrah will be supported by the pace department led by Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna. To cap it off, the Indian team has never won a Test series in Africa, so this will be their best chance to shake-off that lingering jinx. The upcoming Test series will undoubtedly provide cricket fans everywhere with an intense battle between two cricketing behemoths.
Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise
The SuperSport Park pitch has been a batsman's haven, with the average score by the team batting first in the last 10 matches soaring to an impressive 377. This trend leans heavily towards favoring the side setting the total, as they have emerged victorious in 80 percent of the contests.
Weather Forecast
The weather at SuperSport Park is expected to be favorable for cricket, with a temperature around 28 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity. These conditions could add an extra layer of challenge for both batting and bowling sides, making strategic decisions crucial.
Dream11 Predictions: Players to Watch
1. Virat Kohli: The Indian captain boasts an outstanding average of 51 in South Africa, making him a top pick for Dream11 captains. Kohli will aim to maintain his stellar record against the Proteas in their home turf.
2. Aiden Markram: As a reliable middle-order batter, Markram holds the responsibility of garnering crucial runs for his team. With an impressive track record, including six centuries and ten fifties in 35 matches, Markram is a player to watch.
3. Jasprit Bumrah: With 26 wickets in six Test matches against South Africa, Bumrah has proven to be a formidable force. His ability to take wickets at an average of 24.68 makes him a valuable asset in Dream11 teams.
4. Gerald Coetzee: The young South African talent is expected to showcase pace and swing. Coetzee's ability to trouble Indian batters with his skill set adds an exciting dimension to the game.
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SA vs IND squads
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk), Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna
Dream11 Team Selection:
Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Aiden Markram
All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, Mohd. Siraj, Gerald Coetzee
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice-captain: Ravindra Jadeja
Head-to-Head Record: A Close Rivalry
In 42 Test encounters between South Africa and India, the competition has been fierce. South Africa has won 17 matches, India 15, while 10 have ended in a draw.
Prediction:
Given India has won three of the five preceding matches against South Africa, they approach this fixture with some form. This promises to be a thrilling contest as the two teams go all-out for victory in the opening Test match.
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