South Africa vs India, 1st Test- South Africa Predicted XI

An India vs South Africa series always fascinates the world with exciting cricket. The teams will start their upcoming campaign in the first Test at Cape Town on the 5th of December. The African nation has mostly dominated the Indians at home and will again look to stamp their authority on the visitors.

India declared the 17-man squad a month ago. Meanwhile, South Africa announced the team for the first Test a couple of days ago. Both teams will look to storm into the ascendancy and get their oppositions by the scruff of the neck.

With the return of a couple of big players in the team, South Africa would want to get their combination right before the start of the series. In our article, we take a look at their probable playing XI in the opening Test.

Openers (Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram)

The openers’ slots look more or less settled for South Africa with Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram in the mix. While Elgar has emerged an instrumental force in the lineup, Markram is taking baby steps into international cricket. Both the openers have been in excellent touch over the past few months.

Elgar has racked up runs at a prolific rate and has scored five centuries in 12 Tests in 2017. He has shown a tranquil temperament and made the bowlers pay for every blemish they dished out. Markram missed out on a ton against Bangladesh at Potchefstroom.

However, he made amends by scoring 143 and 125 at Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth respectively. Meanwhile, the Centurion-born batsman didn’t seem perturbed while playing at the highest level. Both Elgar and Markram will be essential for the Proteas’ chances in the series.

Middle order [Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers (C), Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock (wk)]

The South African middle-order looks solid with the return of a couple of veterans. Francois du Plessis showed significant form during Bangladesh’s tour of the African nation. Nevertheless, he suffered a back strain, which kept him out from the game for six weeks.

However, he has been named as the skipper of the Proteas squad. Meanwhile, he will take over the baton from AB de Villiers who led the team in the 4-day Test match against Zimbabwe. De Villiers himself made a Test comeback after nearly two years.

Nevertheless, in probability, he will play against India in the 3-match series. Hashim Amla also had a decent year with the willow at a consistent rate. Quinton de Kock sprained a hamstring during the Zimbabwe Test, however, has been named in the squad for the opening Test at Cape Town.

All-rounders (Vernon Philander, Chris Morris)

Depth in batting is of prime significance in order for a team to succeed in Test cricket. South Africa have Vernon Philander and Chris Morris who are no mugs with the willow. However, bowling is their primary role and both have impressed for the Proteas in the fast-bowling department.

Philander has been a regular feature in South Africa’s Test setup and he has rarely faltered. The 32-year old has been encountering a back-injury for the last three months. However, he made a comeback in the recently concluded Day/Night Test against Zimbabwe and is expected to play a crucial role against India.

Chris Morris suffered a back-strain during the third Test of South Africa’s tour of England. Since then, he hasn’t played a game. However, the bowling all-rounder has recovered and has been named in the squad for the first Test.

Bowlers (Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Keshav Maharaj)

The specialist bowlers comprise of Rabada, Morkel and left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj. With 57 wickets in 11 Tests, Rabada has rattled the best of batsmen with his pace and swing. The fast-bowler hasn’t gone wicket-less in any innings he has bowled- a testament to his impressive form.

Morne Morkel has been a stalwart for South Africa in the bowling department for many years. The lanky pacer has displayed rhythm in his bowling by dismantling Zimbabwe with a 5-wicket haul in the first innings at Port Elizabeth. He will be one of South Africa’s key elements as they head to the Newlands.

Keshav Maharaj has emerged as an answer to the Proteas’ search for a quality spinner. He was consistent during South Africa’s tour of England and has carried forward his form to the next couple of series. Indians are excellent players of spin and Maharaj will have a task on his hands against the Asian giants.