South Africa Team (Photo Source: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
South Africa are about to embark on their new journey in Test Cricket under the leadership of Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad. They will face West Indies as their first challenge whom they have dominated for over 20 years in the format.
South Africa were having a great run in the ongoing World Test Championship Cycle as they beat India and Bangladesh at home. However, they slipped and have faied to win even a single Test out of their last five. They will now look to finish the current cycle on a high.
On the other hand, West Indies are coming into the series with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe. They have failed to win a series against the Proteas since 1992 and are on the sixth position in the current WTC points table with a points percentage of 40.91. Having put up some inspired performances against England at home last year, West Indies will look to end their WTC cycle by giving tough competition to the Proteas in their own den.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the SuperSport park has traditionally assisted the fast bowlers as they are able to get good pace and bounce out of it. In the 27 Tests played at the venue, the teams batting first have won 12 Tests while teams batting second have won 11 matches.
Probable Playing XI for SA vs WI
South Africa
Probable XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma (C), Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer/Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee
West Indies
Probable XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Joshua da Silva (WK), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach
SA vs WI Head-to-Head
Played – 30 West Indies – 3