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India vs SA, 1st Test: Preview, Dream11 and more

India vs SA, 1st Test: Preview, Dream11 and more

Oct 01, 2019
02:45 pm

What's the story

India and South Africa gear up for the first Test match to be held in Vizag from October 2 onwards. India enter as outright favorites and they will want to get off to a strong start against a resurgent SA. There will be some stern key battles and players to watch out for. Here we present the detailed match preview.

Team India

Saha to keep wickets, focus on Rohit and Ashwin

This is India's second series in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. With points on offer, expect the hosts to give their all. For India, the focus will be on Rohit Sharma on how he fares as an opener. R Ashwin is back in the starting XI and is the in-form bowler. Also, Wriddhiman Saha will keep the wickets ahead of Rishabh Pant.

Information

Team India playing XI for the first Test

The Indian team playing XI: Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami.

Twitter Post

Kohli expects to see Rohit play his natural game

SA team

SA begin their ICC World Test Championship journey

South Africa begin their campaign in the World Test Championship and a lot is at stake for Faf du Plessis' side. The Proteas had a forgettable series in 2015 and one wants to see a better performance. SA will bank on Faf's experience. The likes of Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock have crucial roles. Kagiso Rabada leads a solid bowling unit on offer.

Dream11

Dream11: A strong side on offer

We have gone for Mayank Agarwal and Aiden Markram as the two openers. They are solid players and can score runs. Kohli captains the side. He gets joined by Faf, Hanuma Vihari and wicket-keeper batsman De Kock to add more depth. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are the two spin all-rounders. Rabada (vice-captain) and Ishant Sharma are the two pacers. Keshav Maharaj fits in too.

Views

Viewpoint: Rahane and Philander open up

"It is important to start with a win because of the Test Championship points. You cannot take any team lightly," said Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. SA pacer Vernon Philander said, "It's a tough start...playing India in India but I don't think the South Africans would have wanted it any other way, take the big dogs in their home ground."

Info

Venue, timing, TV listing and pitch report

The first Test is set to be held at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam. It's scheduled for a 9:30 AM IST start and will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. According to reports, one expects to see a sunny day tomorrow with gentle breeze on offer. The pitch will assist spinners at large and that will make things interesting.