XtraTime Web Desk: The attention will be on Rohit Sharma, who is trying to make his place in the longest format as the stylish batsman to open the innings for India against South Africa in the test matches starting tomorrow. With no Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul in the squad, Rohit has been the choice for Team India for the slot.
Mayank Agarwal, who has played just four Test so far, will open the innings with one of the two batsmen.
Rohit has been in a phenomenal form in the limited-over cricket lately, having scored five centuries in the 2019 World Cup in the UK.
In the net sessions ahead of the first Test, Rohit seemed much determined to make the most of the opportunity and improve his Test record. In 27 Tests, he has made 1585 runs at 39.62 while he is the owner of more than 10,000 runs in limited overs cricket.
The rest of the line-up looks settled with India expected to field two pacers and as many spinners. If the wicket is turning, Hanuma Vihari can play as a third spinner.
“He can be really handy as a spinner,” India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said ahead of the game.
After starting the ICC Test Championship with a 2-0 clean sweep against the West Indies, India are the overwhelming favourites against South Africa, who have come with a new-look squad.
Only five players, including captain Faf du Plessis, were part of the squad that received a 3-0 hammering from India four years ago.
Batsmen Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma were amongst the runs in the warm-up and that should give them confidence ahead of the game.
Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi can cause trouble for the Indian batsmen, especially with the prediction of overcast skies and spells of rain on all five days of the Vizag test match.