South Africa vs India – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is South Africa vs India taking place? Sunday 26^th December, 2021 – 08:00 (UK)

Where is South Africa vs India taking place? SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa

What is the expected weather for South Africa vs India? Temperatures of reaching as high as 27c during the Test, played in mostly overcast conditions with a high chance of rain and thunderstorms disrupting play

What channel is South Africa vs India on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket

Where can I stream South Africa vs India? The match can be streamed live using the Sky Go app

LAST MEETING
India beat South Africa by an innings and 202 runs

THE TEAM NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA

• South Africa have not played many Test matches during 2021 but they will want to make their final one count as they take on an Indian side that they have never lost to on home soil.
• The Proteas were 2-0 winners over the West Indies in their last series and they will hope to build on that but their hopes could be impacted by the potential loss of Quinton de Kock to paternity leave at the conclusion of this contest while paceman Anrich Nortje has been ruled out through injury.

INDIA

• India have enjoyed another successful year in the Test arena having lost just three of their 13 matches to date but this will be the victory they really want as they aim to win a series on South African soil for the first time.
• It is a strong travelling party for the Indians as they aim to build on their recent success over New Zealand but they will need their batsmen to step up in the absence of key man Rohit Sharma with the batsman ruled out because of a recurring hamstring issue.

THE PREDICTION

South Africa have not played a great deal of Test match cricket in 2021 and that could prove to be their downfall as they take on a well-travelled Indian side. The tourists will be desperate to rid themselves of an unwanted record having never won a Test match series in South Africa and while they will have to cope with the loss of Rohit Sharma, their squad boasts enough depth to overcome his absence and their bowling unit can prove to be key in getting the series off to a strong start in this opening clash.