India’s mission to win the Test series for the first time over South Africa will begin in a few days. The action begins on Boxing Day at Centurion when a highly confident team India will lock horns with the Proteas. Given the dependable opening option and a lethal world-class bowling unit, the visitors look strong on paper. There is little concern about the inconsistency in the middle order and it will be a test for newly appointed head coach Rahul Dravid whether he can bring the much-needed stability with his vast experience.
Experts believe that India has a golden opportunity to create history. There are no big names in the current South African team but still they cannot be taken lightly. Overall this is going to be a cracker of a competition, but before that, let’s take a look at the players of both the teams.
Indian players to keep an eye on
Mohammed Shami: The right-arm pacer picked up 15 wickets in the last tour in 20218 and since then, he has established himself as the most dependable Test bowler. Considering the pace on offer in South Africa, Shami is as dangerous as any premium fast bowler and the Proteas need to be wary of him.
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Shreyas Iyer: His career is only two Tests old and he is already in the race to make it to the playing XI. Iyer was impressive in his approach at home. The way he batted against New Zealand makes him an automatic selection in the line-up. He can probably be relied upon to get the faltering middle order back on track.
Jasprit Bumrah: After Shami, Bumrah was the second highest wicket-taker during India’s 2018 tour. The right-arm pacer who was young then has become the leader of the pack. The South African team has already said some good things about the Indian pacer. But deep down he also knows how dangerous the bowler can be.
Mayank Agarwal: The Karnataka batsman managed to consolidate his position in the Test team after a scintillating century in the Mumbai Test against New Zealand. He has certainly got his mojo back and is at the forefront of opening the innings for India along with vice-captain KL Rahul. Both made their Test debuts at the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and now, they are very excited to do some great things together in South Africa.
South Africa Players to watch:
Dean Elgar: The Proteas captain is the most experienced in the mix. With over 4000 runs in his kitty, Elgar shines a light on the South African batting unit. At home he has staggering statistics playing against India; 207 runs in 6 innings and an average of 41.40. Elgar has been in excellent form this year, scoring 364 runs in 5 Tests. He has also scored one hundred and two half-centuries so far in 2021.
Quinton de Kock: South African wicketkeeper-batsman who is known for his fearless batting. De Kock doesn’t have an impressive record against India but his century in 2019 in Visakhapatnam should not be forgotten. But currently, he is in a better place. He scored his career-best 141 against West Indies in June this year and would like to continue the momentum against India.
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Kagiso Rabada: Since Enrique Nortje will not be on tour, it will be Rabada who is going to lead the pace unit. The right-arm pacer has played just four Tests this year and has taken 16 wickets at an average of 20.18. Back in 2018, he was one of the chiefs for the hosts as he took 15 wickets in 3 Test matches. He will be a great weapon for the Proteas.
Duane Olivier: The pacer will be making a comeback after a hiatus of three years and will assist Rabada in his fast bowling duties. Olivier came into the series after an impressive home stint, where he took 28 wickets in the season at an average of just 11.14. He has an impeccable bowling record at home – 41 wickets in 8 Tests – which makes him a special player.
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