Centurion 26 December : .India’s captain Virat Kohli won the toss, and he will bat against South Africa in Sunday’s first Test at SuperSport Park.This Boxing Day Test is the first of three Test matches between these two sides.Kohli declared, after winning the toss: “Runs in the board away from home have been our strength.” It looks great, the grass is on the pitch.Centurion is known for being faster as matches progress.
We wanted to be the first.South Africa was the first series that saw us succeed away from home.The series’ last test was won by us the last time that we visited South Africa.Two times in Australia, and one in England were our victories.South Africa is going to be difficult.Our plans must be solid and our execution should not falter.We are fortunate to be able to practice close to the center wicket.”
Kohli spoke about the composition and playing 11 and said that Siraj Shami, Shami, and Bumrah are our players.Shardul is the all-rounder and Ashwin is the spinner.
Dean Elgar, South Africa’s skipper, stressed the importance of his team performing well at home.
It was a pleasant experience, and it is a great way to relax before what promises to be an exciting series.Johannesburg was a great camp.
There is no denying that there could have been more Tests.But, it was a good camp.”We must do well in our own backyard.”
Elgar spoke out about his playing eleven and revealed that Marco Jansen, an all-rounder, will make his Test debut.
Marco Jansen is our debutant.We hope that he will be able to trouble Indian bats as a left-armer.Mulder is our all rounder, and Keshav our spinner.”
Playing XIs
India: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa: Dean Elgar (captain), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
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