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SA vs IND 1st Test Match Preview, Team News, Possible XI, Pitch Report, and Dream XI Team Prediction

The SA vs IND 1st Test Match will be played at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion.

Dec 25, 2023, 5:28 PM5 min read

Virat Kohli in training ahead of the SA vs IND 1st Test match  Image - PTI

India will play against South Africa in the first Test of the 2-match series at Centurion after winning the ODI series by 2-1. Rohit Sharma will be leading the Indian Test side in the SA vs IND Test series while Temba Bavuma will be leading the Proteas team. Dean Elgar, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada are among the key players from the home side while Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja will be some important players alongside the skipper himself for the visitors.

Also Read: 5 Indian Batsmen with the Most Test Runs against South Africa

SA vs IND: 1st Test Match Preview

Match Details:

SA vs IND: SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion  Image - Wikipedia
SA vs IND: SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion Image - Wikipedia

SA vs IND: 1st Test: Head-to-Head

  • Matches played: 42

  • India won: 15

  • South Africa won: 17

  • Tied: 10

South Africa vs India: Head-to-Head in Tests in South African soil

Of the 23 Tests India have played in South Africa, they have only won four. India have never won a Test series in South Africa. In their eight visits since 1992, South Africa has emerged victorious seven times, with one series drawn in 2010/11.

Also Read: SA vs IND: India's Test Record in South Africa

SA vs IND: Pitch & Weather Report

Centurion has been South Africa's fortress, with 22 wins in 28 Tests but India managed to beat them by 113 runs on their last tour. The SuperSport Park is a batting-friendly track with some help for swing bowlers. The spinners don't have much advantage on this track. Batting will be easier in the early half than in the second half. The average score by the team batting first in the last 10 matches at this stadium is 377. Batting first should be the preferred option at this stadium.

The weather at the SuperSport Park is expected to be around 28 Degree Celsius alongside 40% humidity. There is a forecast of rain on the first two days of the Test.

Team News

South Africa Team News

This is South Africa's first series in the current World Test Championship cycle. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have recovered from their respective injuries and could feature in the playing XI. Conrad said on Saturday, "We have not called anybody in as a replacement, and hopefully, by the morning of the match, we have 15 fit players to select from."

Aiden Markram is finally becoming the batter he was destined to be. He is in brilliant form right now and would like to continue against India as well. Dean Elgar is set to play the final two Test games of his career. The former South African skipper announced his retirement from the format following the forthcoming series.

Indian Team News

Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the Test series with an ankle injury he sustained during the World Cup. India might allow Mukesh Kumar or Prasidh Krishna as the first-change seamer.

All-rounder Shardul Thakur could play as the second all-rounder but it will be interesting to see whether Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin start in the XI for the Boxing Day Test.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is highly expected to open with Rohit, with Shubman Gill batting at three. Virat Kohli will bat in his favorite test cricket position (number four), while Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will come down the order.

SA vs IND: Possible XI

Squads: India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Nandre Burger, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada.

India's Expected Playing XI: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 KL Rahul (wk), 6 Shreyas Iyer, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Prasidh Krishna, 11 Mohammed Siraj

South Africa's Expected Playing XI: 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Tony de Zorzi, 4 Temba Bavuma (capt), 5 Keegan Petersen, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Gerald Coetzee, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi Ngidi

Captains' statement ahead of the First Test

"It's very important two Test matches in terms of where we stand as a team. We have never won a series here so that's a big opportunity in itself for us to do well here in trying to achieve what nobody has ever achieved in this part of the world." Rohit Sharma said ahead of the first test.

"Playing against India comes with a lot more eyes and a lot more scrutiny in terms of everything we do. So it is accepting that. They are a determined team as well, who want to be able to say they have won a Test series here in South Africa. So with that extra bit of drive and motivation, we really need to be at our best." Temba Bavuma said ahead of the first test.

SA vs IND: 1st Test Dream XI Team Prediction

SA vs IND: 1st Test Dream XI Team Prediction  SportzPoint
SA vs IND: 1st Test Dream XI Team Prediction SportzPoint

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Asia Cup in doubt as BCCI denies to visit Bangladesh for ACC's AGM

BCCI has threatened to boycott any resolutions if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Jul 19, 2025, 7:14 AM2 min read

Asia Cup in doubt as BCCI denies to visit Bangladesh for ACC's AGM | sportzpoint.com
India are the current Asia Cup champions. Image | BCCI on X

The 2025 Asia Cup faces significant uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has threatened to boycott any resolutions if the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) proceeds in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The meeting, scheduled for July 24, has become a flashpoint amid heightened political tensions between India and Bangladesh, prompting the BCCI to refuse to attend if the venue is not changed from Dhaka.

ACC does not want to change the venue

According to multiple reports, including ANI and India Today, the BCCI has formally communicated its stance to both the ACC and its chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, requesting a change of venue.

However, these requests have gone unanswered, with Naqvi reportedly adamant on holding the meeting in Dhaka, a move seen by India as exerting undue pressure to influence Asia Cup-related decisions.

Asia Cup in doubt as BCCI denies to visit Bangladesh for ACC's AGM | sportzpoint.com
Siraj took 6 wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka. Image | BCCI on X

India threatens to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025

India, the defending champions and host of the upcoming six-nation T20 Asia Cup, likely scheduled for September, is not alone in its boycott.

Cricket boards from Sri Lanka, Oman, and Afghanistan have also expressed reservations about attending the meeting in Bangladesh, raising questions about the ACC's ability to make valid decisions without key members present.

Compounding the tension is the recent postponement of India's white-ball tour of Bangladesh from August 2025 to September 2026, underscoring the diplomatic strain. India refused to play in Pakistan during the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches relocated to neutral venues like Sri Lanka and Dubai, respectively. The Men in Blue went on to win both tournaments. 

There have been speculative reports that BCCI might withdraw from both the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men’s Asia Cup, but BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has denied these claims, calling them "speculative and imaginary".

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ENG vs IND: What are the changes in Indian team you would like to see in fourth test?

For the ENG vs IND match at Old Trafford, Indian team management could make multiple changes to the playing XI. Let's have a look.

Jul 16, 2025, 12:23 PM4 min read

ENG vs IND: What are the changes in Indian team you would like to see in fourth test?

Despite a great fight on the last day at Lord's, India suffered a heartbreak defeat by 22 runs in the third Test against England. Along with this, the discussion has intensified about the batting order of the team, especially the batting at number 3.

After the defeat at Lord's, the Indian men’s cricket team would like to come up with a big show in the fourth Test to level the series. The fourth red-ball match of the ongoing ENG vs IND five-match series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27. For the match at Old Trafford, Indian team management could make multiple changes to the playing XI.

Also Read: England penalised two WTC points for slow over-rate in Lord’s Test

Sudharsan may replace Karun Nair

ENG vs IND: What are the changes in Indian team you would like to see in fourth test?

Karun Nair looked solid whenever he was on the pitch in the 6 innings so far. But he could never take his innings beyond 50. Nair scored 0, 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14 runs in the 6 innings so far. During this time, he got out unlucky many times. But it is possible that the team management may now plan to try talented and young cricketer Sai Sudharsan in his place.

23-year-old Sai Sudharsan from Chennai got a chance to debut in the ENG vs IND Leeds Test. But the first opportunity slipped from his hands like sand from his fist. He played innings of 0 and 30 runs in Leeds. The team lost the Test and he was also dropped from the playing XI.

Kuldeep can make a return

ENG vs IND: What are the changes in Indian team you would like to see in fourth test?

Discussions have once again intensified about the inclusion of 30-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has taken 56 wickets in 13 Tests, in the playing XI. This tour could prove to be a good opportunity to include Kuldeep in the team.

Bumrah and Rishabh Pant out

ENG vs IND: What are the changes in Indian team you would like to see in fourth test?

Before the start of the series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill, and even Bumrah himself confirmed that he will play only three matches in England, and since the pacer has already featured in two matches out of three played so far, there is a high possibility that he will miss the game in Manchester to return for the final fixture at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4.

In addition to Bumrah, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant could also miss the match in Manchester. Pant suffered a finger injury during the first day’s play of the Lord’s Test, and as a result, he didn’t keep after 34 overs in the first innings. There is still no clarity over Pant’s injury. If he misses out, then Dhruv Jurel will replace him in the playing XI.

The 24-year-old stumper from Agra impressed with his glovework during the third Test, and he has amassed a total of 202 runs in six innings of four Tests played so far. Jurel’s best score in Test cricket is 90, which he registered against the English team in Ranchi last year.

Akash Deep likely retain Bumrah's place

ENG vs IND: What are the changes in Indian team you would like to see in fourth test?

Akash Deep could only manage to take one wicket in the third Test, but if Bumrah misses out due to workload management, then he is likely to retain his place.

Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav are the other four bowlers in India’s Test squad for the England series, and for the game at Old Trafford, Arshdeep could come in for Bumrah. Arshdeep is a left-arm pacer, and his inclusion will bring variety to India’s bowling attack.

Also Read: "Find this ridiculous": Stuart Broad slams ICC's call on Siraj, while Gill's behaviour goes unpunished

India’s predicted playing XI for the ENG vs IND 4th Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.

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Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Mitchell Starc surpassed Chaminda Vaas in terms of taking most wickets in tests by left-arm seamers.

Jul 15, 2025, 12:25 PM4 min read

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc scripted history in the third Test against West Indies in Jamaica as he grabbed the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history, in just 15 balls. No player in world cricket has ever managed to take a 5-wicket haul in fewer deliveries. With this Starc also surpassed Chaminda Vaas in terms of taking most wickets in tests by left-arm seamers. 

In this article, we will take a look at those left-arm bowlers with most wickets in tests.

Also Read: 5 wickets in 15 balls! Mitchell Starc creates record for the fastest five-wicket haul in test cricket

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

7. Neil Wagner | 260

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Neil Wagner, the former New Zealand fast bowler, claimed 260 wickets in 64 Tests at an average of 27.60 for New Zealand, from 2012 until his international retirement in February 2024, earning plaudits along the way for his indefatigable left-arm line of attack. 

He was a key member of the team that reached number one in the world and won the inaugural Test world championship in 2021. Among career highlights were his roles in famous victories over England in 2018 and last year's one-run win over the same opposition in Wellington.

6. Zaheer Khan | 311

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Zaheer Khan, India’s finest left-arm seamer, has played 92 tests and took 311 wickets with 11 five-wicket hauls. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Zaheer was a key figure in many of India’s overseas wins. His standout performances in England and South Africa helped India win Test matches in challenging conditions. 

5. Mitchell Johnson | 313

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who struck fear into batsmen around the world but especially on the bouncy pitches of his homeland, took 313 wickets in 73 tests at an average of 28.40.

He was a pretty decent bowler throughout his career, but during his peak, he was one of the terrifying bowlers in the world. One of the most notable performances from him was the 2013-14 Ashes in Australia, where he ripped apart the English lineup, match-after-match, innings-after-innings.

4. Trent Boult | 317

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Trent Boult is a New Zealand cricketer who is known for being a threat to batsmen all over the world because of his ability to swing the ball on both sides. Boult debuted in Test matches in 2011. He’s the fourth-highest wicket-taker as a left-arm seamers in Tests as he took 317 wickets in 78 matches. He owns 18 four-wicket hauls, 10 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul.

His best bowling figures in Test innings are 6 for 30 runs and a single Test match 10 wickets for 80 runs. He was a part of the winning squad of the ICC World Test Championship in 2019-2021.

3. Chaminda Vaas | 355

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

In a time when Murali was taking all the plaudits, Vaas was undoubtedly Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, picking up 355 wickets in 111 Tests at an impressive average of 29.58. He’s the only seamer from the island nation to have over 200 wickets and took career best figures of 7/71 with his deceptive swing and persistent line and length.

2. Mitchell Starc | 402

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Australian speedster Mitchell Starc set several records in the 3rd and final Test against West Indies in Kingston. In his 100th Test appearance, Starc took seven wickets, including six in the final innings. He recorded a fifer off just 15 balls. 

Starc returned figures worth 6/9 from 7.3 overs in the fourth innings, his career-best in the format. This was his 16th Test fifer. Starc, who became the 16th Aussie to complete 100 Test appearances, has now 402 wickets as a left-arm seamers in test at an average of 27.02.

Also Read: West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team

1. Wasim Akram | 414

Most Wickets in Tests by left-arm seamers

Regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers to have played the game, Wasim Akram represented Pakistan in 104 Tests between 1985 and 2002, claiming 414 wickets at an average of 23.06. He also took 25 5-wicket halls. Among these, he took two Test hat-tricks. His best bowling figures in a test match were 7/119. 

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West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team

After getting all out for 27 in the fourth inning of the third West Indies vs Australia test in Kingston, West Indies have now registered the second lowest test score in an inning by a team.

Jul 14, 2025, 10:39 PM4 min read

West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Brandon King, his third of the first over. Image | AFP/Getty Images

West Indies just registered their lowest test score in their history after registering only 27 in the fourth innings of the third West Indies vs Australia test in Kingston. While chasing only 204 in the last inning of the test match, West Indies were bundled out for 27 after Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland ran through them. 

For the West Indies, only Justin Greaves could reach the double-figure (11) mark. 7 of 11 batters of the West Indies team were dismissed for ducks.

West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Brandon King, his third of the first over. Image | AFP/Getty Images

Australia started the inning on a fiery note, with Mitchell Starc taking three wickets in the first over. He then went on to break the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in a test inning as he reached the landmark in just 15 balls. West Indies once were 6 for 11, but a small partnership from Alzarri Joseph and Justin Greaves helped them reach 26.

Scott Boland became the 45th bowler to take a test hat-trick | sportzpoint.com
Scott Boland became the 45th bowler to take a test hat-trick. Image | AFP/Getty Images

But from 26/6, Scott Boland took a hat-trick to reduce them to 26/9. Mitchell Starc then wrapped up the inning with his sixth wicket as he finished with a bowling figure of 7.3-4-9-6. 

What is the lowest test score in history?

New Zealand in 1955 registered the lowest test score in history when they were bundled for only 26 in the third inning against Australia in Auckland. Bert Sutcliffe could only reach the double-figure mark (11) for the Kiwis. 

Frank Tyson started the attack for Australia, taking the first two wickets. But it was Brian Statham and Bob Appleyard who finished the job for the team from down under. Statham returned with 9-3-9-3 while Appleyard had the bowling figure of 6-3-7-4. 

Although New Zealand had played 27 overs to score those 26 runs. They lost the test match by an innings and 20 runs.

10 lowest test scores in test cricket

West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell Starc celebrating after getting Jayden Seals out as West Indies were bowled out for 27. Image | AFP/Getty Images 

Along with New Zealand in 1995 and the West Indies in 2025, South Africa features in the top five of the lowest test scores in test cricket. 

In 1896, South Africa were bundled for 30 against England in Gqeberha, which was the lowest test score for nearly 59 years.

South Africa again matched their record when England bowled them out for 30 again, this time in Birmingham in 1924. In 1899 and 1932, South Africa registered 35 and 36, respectively, against England and Australia.

Then comes India's 36 all-out against Australia in 2020 in Adelaide. India comes on the list again with their 42 against England in 1974 at Lord's. 

However, before all of these, Australia had the record for the lowest test score, before New Zealand broke the record. In 1888, Australia were bundled out for 42 against England at their own turf in Sydney. 

Team Score Inns Opposition Ground Result Match Date
New Zealand 26 3 v England Auckland lost 25 Mar 1955
West Indies 27 4 v Australia Kingston lost 12 Jul 2025
South Africa 30 4 v England Gqeberha lost 13 Feb 1896
South Africa 30 2 v England Birmingham lost 14 Jun 1924
South Africa 35 4 v England Cape Town lost 1 Apr 1899
South Africa 36 1 v Australia Melbourne lost 12 Feb 1932
Australia 36 2 v England Birmingham draw 29 May 1902
India 36 3 v Australia Adelaide lost 17 Dec 2020
Ireland 38 4 v England Lord's lost 24 Jul 2019
New Zealand 42 1 v Australia Wellington lost 29 Mar 1946
Australia 42 2 v England Sydney lost 10 Feb 1888
India 42 3 v England Lord's lost 20 Jun 1974
Sri Lanka 42 2 v South Africa Durban lost 27 Nov 2024

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Aiden Markram and Hayley Matthews named ICC Players of the Month for June 2025

South African batter Aiden Markram has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June 2025.

Jul 14, 2025, 12:20 PM3 min read

Aiden Markram and Hayley Matthews named ICC Players of the Month for June 2025

South African batter Aiden Markram has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June 2025. 

Markram awarded for ton in WTC final

South African batter Aiden Markram has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Markram scored 136 off 207 balls in the fourth innings of WTC Final. Image | Getty Images

Markram, who scored 136 off 207 balls and featured in a 147-run third wicket stand with captain Temba Bavuma in a successful chase of 282 in the World Test Championship 2025 final at Lord's. 

The South African opener helped South Africa win an ICC Title for the first time since the Champions Trophy in 1998. He also picked up a wicket in each inning of the final. 

Markram defeated Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. 

 "It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me.

“Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma)," Markram said.

Read Also | ICC U19 World Cup 2024: Current Dream World ODI XI From Past U19 Stars

Matthews became the second player to win four Player of the Month Awards

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June 2025. | sportzpoint.com
Matthews won the Player of the Series award in the West Indies vs SA T20I series. Image | Getty Images

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who had won the award in November 2021, October 2023 and April 2024, won the award for June 2025, beating South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and teammate Afy Fletcher. She became only the second player after Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, to win the fourth ICC Women's Player of the Month Award.

Matthews scored 104 runs in the three ODIs against South Africa, including a half-century in the third match. She also picked up four wickets in the series. She then continued her form in the T20Is, winning the Player of the Series award, with two fifties in an aggregate of 147 runs and two wickets.

West Indies went on to win the T20I series by 2-1.

 “It’s an honour to receive the Player of the Month award again. I’ve been pleased with my form recently, but more importantly, it’s been great to contribute to the team’s success—especially in a hard-fought T20I series against South Africa.

"Recognition like this is appreciated, but my focus remains on what’s ahead. There’s a lot more I want to achieve, both personally and with this team. We’re heading in the right direction, and I’m excited about where we can go from here,” Matthews expressed. 

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