South Africa will be fired up to seal the series clean sweep as they face India at the iconic Wanderers from 24 – 28 January.
Having already secured the series with strong performances at Newlands and SuperSport Park Centurion, the Proteas are eager to finish on a high and claim a whitewash on home soil.
Captain Faf du Plessis and the team would be thrilled to clinch victory at a venue where wins have been hard-earned, with only four victories in their last nine Test matches here.
Match Details: South Africa vs India | 24 January – 28 January | Wanderers, Johannesburg
Match Betting Odds
South Africa 13/20 | Draw 2/1 | India 5/1
South Africa
After a hard-fought victory in Centurion, the proteas showed resilience and dominated with debutant Lungi Ngidi impressing with 7-90, including six wickets in the second innings. The pitch was slow, challenging the batsmen and bowlers alike, but Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada are expected to take full advantage of the bounce and pace the Wanderers pitch will likely offer.
The injury to Temba Bavuma has simplified Ottis Gibson’s selection decisions. If Aiden Markram is fit, he will step in to open alongside Dean Elgar; otherwise, Theunis de Bruyn will fill the slot. The team also faces a choice between Keshav Maharaj and the more pace-focused options of Andile Phelukwayo or Chris Morris, with Morris likely favoured for his aggressive bowling style given Maharaj’s struggle in previous Tests.
India
India’s tour promised a lot but is ending in disappointment. The absence of Ajinkya Rahane has raised eyebrows, as well as selection decisions like dropping Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Ishant Sharma has justified his place with a five-wicket haul, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami are likely to continue owing to their strong performances.
Rohit Sharma, despite a decent innings in the last test, looks out of form and might be replaced by Rahane, especially with the challenges the Wanderers pitch could pose to India’s batting line-up. There might also be a change in the spinning department with Ravichandran Ashwin potentially making way, as the pitch may not favour him early on and the team might require more batting depth.
Verdict: Back South Africa at 13/20
Expect a lightning-quick pitch at the Wanderers prepared by curator Bethuel Buthelezi, favouring the home side and their pace attack. Betting on the Proteas to continue their dominant run at 13/20 looks like the smart play.
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