There is always a bit of buzz surrounding a bunch of fast bowlers playing a Test on the Highveld. The fast-bowling tribe will look to probe the defences of the batters – both on the mental and physical side. Meanwhile, the batter is trying to survive or counter-attack. On December 26, we are going to see the latest chapter of this intriguing duel in Centurion. Festivities surrounding the Boxing Day Test adds further lustre to the Test between India and South Africa.
First things first. The South African think-tank is still sweating over the fitness of Kagiso Rabada (heel) and Lungi Ngidi (ankle). Both bowlers, though, bowled without much discomfort in a practice session on Saturday (December 23). Rabada, in particular, would be a huge asset to the Temba Bavuma-led side as the South African spearhead has an enviable record in Centurion – 50 wickets at an average of 17.32 and at a strike rate of 29.7. Radaba’s hit-the-deck skills from a high release are tailor-made for the track in Centurion. He is also relentless in employing his methods.
Alongside Rabada and Ngidi, South Africa can afford to field Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee – one stands at around 6’9″ and the other at 6’3″. Jansen also brings the left-armer’s angle into the equation, and when needed goes fuller in order to find movement. Incidentally, in 2021-22, South Africa’s Test wins in Johannesburg and Cape Town came on the back of fielding four tall pace bowlers.
The hosts also need their weaker discipline – batting – to put up decent scores on the board. Dean Elgar would have to once more shoulder the responsibility, in what would be his last assignment for South Africa.
What about India then? There has been a lot of speculation over Virat Kohli’s visit to London for a family emergency. However, the good news for the Indian fans is he was seen practicing in the nets on Sunday. The question that confronts the Indian batting unit is how to tackle and score runs against South Africa’s pace artillery comprising three or four tall pace bowlers.
India also have to choose one from either Prasidh Krishna or Mukesh Kumar as Mohammed Shami has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Perhaps it will be Prasidh as he has the required attributes to do well in Centurion. He still has to execute his skills on the field. The players and coaching staff from both sides would be keeping an eye on another element of the game, which is beyond their control – the weather.
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Time and Venue Details
December 26, 10 AM local, SuperSport Park Centurion
Expected conditions
At the start of the Test, there could be some spongy bounce on offer. As the match progresses, a few cracks could open up too. So, the team winning the toss would most likely bat first. Generally, there isn’t much in it for the spinners in Centurion. Neil Brand, the Titans skipper and all-rounder, did have some success with his left-arm spin during a recently concluded four-day game in Centurion.
The weather is set to disrupt the Test, especially for the first two days. With Centurion, alongside rains, it is also about lightning and thunder.
Possible XIs
South Africa
Alongside a couple of fitness issues, the main point of focus would be on whether to balance the side with Wiaan Mulder or select four tall pace bowlers. Logic says include all four of them.
Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada*, Lungi Ngidi*
India
The visitors would be looking to match the high release points of the South African pace battery to some extent. And that points to Prasidh. To strike a balance, India need to think of KL Rahul batting in the middle order and donning the gloves.
Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.
Matchup
Lungi Ngidi v Virat Kohli – It is true that Rabada has a great record in Centurion but it is Ngidi who has regularly dismissed Kohli in Test cricket – four times in five games. With the Indian mainstay not exactly known for playing shots square on the off-side against fast bowlers, Rabada might try to push Kohli back. Meanwhile, Ngidi would aim to go slightly fuller in the channel outside the off stump, tempting the batter to drive.
Team Speak
“Rabada and Ngidi will be fresh and firing, I am always a firm believer of freshness. It would have been ideal had they got some mileage in the legs by playing first-class matches, but that’s life. You have got to find a way. But I am not bothered that they will be undercooked for the game. KG (Rabada) and Lungi are still in the 15-member squad and available for selection.” – Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s head coach.
“We have never won a series here and it’ll be a big thing if we do it here. I don’t know whether it’ll be able to take away the pain of World Cup defeat. If we are able to achieve it then it’ll be a good thing.” – Rohit Sharma, India skipper.