The spotlight turns to red ball cricket as India host South Africa in a two match Test series starting at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Friday. With valuable World Test Championship points on the line and two proud cricketing nations clashing, this opener promises intensity and quality. India are out to assert their dominance on home soil once again, while South Africa arrive as the reigning WTC champions, determined to prove they can conquer the subcontinent.
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India vs South Africa 1st Test Preview & Betting Tips
Eden Gardens, Friday 14th November, 3.00pm AEDT
India
Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhrub Jurel, Devdutt Padikal, KL Rahul, Sai Sundersan, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Four of the top six spots appear locked in with Jaiswal, Gill, Pant and Rahul, while Jadeja is a certainty to slot in at either six or seven. The real strength of this Indian line-up, however, lies in its flexibility. Depending on conditions, they can easily tweak the balance, opting for an extra spinner, an all-rounder, or a specialist quick. Expect one or more of Sundar, Axar, Sundarson or Padikal to feature in those remaining positions, giving India impressive depth and balance no matter how they line up.
The bowling unit remains India’s biggest weapon. Jasprit Bumrah leads a pace attack that has developed the skill to make the old ball talk, while Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are poised to exploit the turning conditions that Eden Gardens often provides on days three and four. Whichever final eleven make-up India decide to go with, you can guarantee it will cater to the conditions, and they'll be tough to beat at home.
South Africa
Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Zubary Hamza, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
The makeup of this South African squad is fascinating and unlike anything we’ve seen from them in recent Test history. They’ve gone with just one genuine frontline quick in Kagiso Rabada, supported by a mix of seam-bowling all-rounders and multiple spin options. Whatever balance they settle on, Marco Jansen looms as the key figure. His height, bounce, and ability to extract life from traditionally docile Indian wickets will be vital. If South Africa do stick with a lighter pace attack, Jansen’s workload and effectiveness could well determine how competitive they are across the series.
Their challenge will be adapting to the slower surfaces. Few of their players have extensive experience in Indian conditions, so how well they handle the spin threat will likely decide their fate. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have the technique to succeed here, while Keshav Maharaj will shoulder much of the spinning responsibility. If South Africa can find a way to post 300 plus in the first innings, they’ll give themselves a fighting chance.
Match Prediction
India’s dominance at home is built on two cornerstones, big first innings runs and relentless spin pressure, and both are in their favour heading into this match. They have the experience, the composure, and the balance to dictate terms from day one. Expect their batters to lay the foundation and their bowlers to turn the screws as the game progresses.
South Africa’s pace attack gives them a genuine shot at causing early trouble if the condistions suit, but sustaining that edge over five days is a tough ask. If India bat first, they’ll almost certainly dictate the tempo and pull away in the back half of the match. Tip: India to win the first Test.
India to Win
$1.27 (5 Units)
Player Prop
Shubman Gill 50+ Runs 1st Innings ($2.30 at Ladbrokes)
Shubman Gill looks primed for a big score in this opening Test. He’s been in superb touch across formats and has steadily developed the temperament to anchor innings in home conditions. Eden Gardens should suit his fluent stroke play, offering just enough pace early before flattening out for batters who get in.
