WI vs SA, 1st Test: Hosts elect to bat
West Indies and South Africa are squaring off in the first of three-match Test series at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia. This is the first Test between the two nations in over six years. West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has won the toss and elected to bat in what is expected to be a thrilling contest. Here are further details.
The wicket in Gros Islet offers both bounce and swing to the fast bowlers, who will be bowling with the Dukes ball. They will test the batsmen in the initial few overs. The spinners could be in action in the last two days. While the weather in St Lucia is likely to stay warm throughout the match, rain could be a spoilsport on Monday.
South Africa have the edge over West Indies in the head-to-head record (Test cricket). The Proteas have managed to win 18 out of 28 Tests between the two sides. While the Windies have won just three Tests, a total of seven have resulted in a draw. Notably, West Indies haven't won a Test series against South Africa since April 1992.
West Indies are hosting South Africa for the first time since June 2010. The Proteas have won six and lost two Tests in West Indies. Meanwhile, the hosts could win their maiden Test series at home against SA (two or more matches). Jermaine Blackwood requires 55 more to complete 2,000 Test runs. Roston Chase will reach the same mark by scoring 131 more runs.
