IND-SA Kolkata Test: South Africa choose to bat; Rabada unavailable
What's the story
India and South Africa are up against each other in the opener of the two-Test series at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The Proteas have struggled in India over the years, losing six out of their last seven Tests here. The only exception was a rain-affected draw when they were well on their way to defeat. Meanwhile, SA skipper Temba Bavuma has won the toss in the opener and elected to bat first.
Match conditions
Eden Gardens pitch report
A good batting track at Eden Gardens is expected to be on offer. Reverse swing can come into play. There is little grass on the pitch, but it is not expected to be excessively dry or cracked. India have hence gone with a four-man spin attack and two quality pacers. The Proteas unit has two spinners and as many pacers in the XI. Wiaan Mulder is the pace-bowling all-rounder.
Historical encounters
A look at the head-to-head record
India and South Africa have faced each other in 44 Test matches so far. Out of these, India has won 16 while the Proteas have claimed 18 victories. The remaining 10 matches have ended in a draw. On Indian soil, the two sides have met 19 times with India winning 11 times, drawing five, and losing three. At Eden Gardens alone, they have played three Tests with Team India winning two and South Africa winning one.
Combinations
Four spinners in Indian XI
Team India has gone in with four spinners - Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. As Sai Sudharsan misses out, Sundar is likely to bat in the top four. On expected lines, Dhruv Jurel will operate as a specialist batter with Rishabh Pant keeping the wickets. In a major blow for South Africa, ace pacer Kagiso Rabada misses out with a rib injury. Corbin Bosch is in.
XIs
Here are the playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj.
Historical struggles
South Africa's recent history in India
South Africa's last two tours to India have been disappointing. In the 2015-16 series, a young Indian team defeated them on turning tracks (3-0). Four years later, they suffered heavy defeats even on good batting surfaces with little assistance for the home spinners (3-0). However, this time around, an experienced South African squad hopes to change their fortunes.
Information
Unique streak for India
Shubman Gill's misfortune at the toss continues as India have now lost eight back-to-back tosses in home Tests. As per Cricbuzz, only England (11 between 1961-73) have lost more Test tosses on a bounce in India. Meanwhile, SA won their first toss in India in eight Tests.
Comments
Gill and his men are 'hungry'
Gill at the toss mentioned that his team is 'hungry' to shine at the highest level. "These two test matches for us are very crucial and we're as hungry as ever. It's going to be a good surface for the first couple of days. And then, hopefully, we'll get some turn as the game goes on," he said. Meanwhile, Bavuma feels that 'first-innings runs are the key.' "It's on the dry side. Not much grass. It's a typical Indian wicket."