We preview the thrilling first Test in a three-match series where India takes on South Africa at the iconic Newlands from 5 January.
After a lacklustre four-day Test against Zimbabwe, the Proteas are gearing up for a fierce challenge against the touring Indian side. This series promises to be intense and highly competitive.
Virat Kohli’s team understands that Newlands offers their best shot at success on this tour, making a strong start absolutely crucial.
Match Details | 5 – 9 January | Newlands, Cape Town
Winning Odds
South Africa 7/10 | Draw 3/1 | India 11/4
South Africa
South Africa must avoid overusing short-pitched bowling against India’s batsmen who’ve struggled less on the bouncier pitches here in recent years. Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada are proven weapons when they hit their lines perfectly. Coach Ottis Gibson will likely utilise a smart strategy mixing one or two short balls with disciplined good-length deliveries to pressure the Indian batsmen.
Vernon Philander, a Newlands specialist, will partner Morkel with the new ball. His craftiness and local knowledge make him a key asset early on. Dale Steyn’s fitness remains doubtful, so Keshav Maharaj will be tasked with containing the innings while the main pacers rotate. The selection decision between Temba Bavuma and the all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo will be interesting, as Bavuma’s form has dipped but Phehlukwayo impressed in the Zimbabwe game.
Questions linger over the batting line-up with concerns about Quinton de Kock’s hamstring injury and AB de Villiers’ fitness for five-day cricket. Faf du Plessis might return after an injury layoff. The top three—Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, and Hashim Amla—look solid and experienced. De Kock is expected to recover in time as the only specialist wicket-keeper. AB likely won’t be doing wicket-keeping duties anytime soon.
India
India are entering unfamiliar territory, having played little Test cricket outside Asia since January 2015 (excluding West Indies). This lack of experience on faster, bouncier pitches is a big challenge. After a 3-0 series sweep to South Africa in the 2015/16 Caribbean tour, India are keen on revenge but have stumbled early with Ravindra Jadeja sidelined due to illness.
Ravichandran Ashwin will likely be the lone spinner supporting three seamers—among Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ishant Sharma—all eager to showcase their skills on South African pitches after years of bowling on turning, slow surfaces at home.
Their batsmen are in excellent form domestically but the real test is how well the likes of Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma adapt to tough South African bowling attacks. Pujara’s patient batting will be vital in frustrating the home attack, while Kohli and others are expected to lead from the front.
Verdict
Asian teams historically have a tough time in South Africa, with only five wins in 48 Tests combined for India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. India has won just twice in 17 attempts here, so backing South Africa at 7/10 odds looks like the smart move.
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