Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has been handed the test cap for the Boxing Day test against South Africa at Super Sport Park in Centurion. The visitors have also decided to include veteran Ravichandran Ashwin as the only specialist spinner. Ravindra Jadeja was left out as he complained of back spasms.
Rohit Sharma will be aiming to break a 31-year Test series win drought on South African soil. Negotiating the challenging Centurion track, known for variable bounce and high speed, poses a formidable task in the team’s pursuit of the elusive ‘final frontier.’
Previous captains, including Azharuddin, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Dhoni, and Kohli, have all faced disappointment in securing a series win in South Africa despite individual Test victories. As Rohit takes charge, a successful campaign could provide solace for the wounds incurred during the recent World Cup, even if the scars persist.
Facing Temba Bavuma’s South Africa, India confronts a potent fast bowling attack that could prove challenging for their young batsmen. Bavuma, along with the retiring Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Keegan Petersen, forms a formidable batting unit capable of testing the Indian bowlers.
Supersport Park, known for producing results in three and a half to four days, adds an additional layer of complexity, especially if the toss is delayed to the second day following an opening day washout. The return of Rohit and Kohli after a break post the 2023 ODI World Cup is anticipated, but India will miss the services of the injured Mohammed Shami in this crucial Test series.
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