West Indies Vs South Africa, Match Preview
Since the last test between the two sides, seven years since the previous test, and over eleven years since South Africa played a Test in the Caribbean. A lot has changed over the years, and there are some similarities in the changes. Back in 2010, the West Indies were in their decline stage, while South Africa was peaking. In 2014, West Indies were struggling and were to reach an all-time low. South Africa, however, had been going very well, and we’re winning games with ease. Now, West Indies seems to be on the rise after a series win in Bangladesh, and South Africa looks like they are in decline.
Both sides have new leaders now and strong pace attacks, but neither have lived up to their potential. The two sides are low on the points table and struggled in the World Test Championship. The upcoming series is not a part of the WTC, and it gives both sides a chance to discover their styles.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Team news:
The South African team has struggled off late, and the individual performances haven’t been satisfactory. The team hasn’t managed a score above 300 and has also struggled to take five-wicket hauls. Following the retirements of Steyn, Morne, and Philander, the responsibility fell on Rabada to carry the pace attack. While he started his career well, the weight of expectations may be playing on him slightly. He hasn’t looked at his best and has been out-bowled by younger pacers in the side.
The other pacers, like Anrich Nortje, have done an excellent job, and Keshav Maharaj has handled the spin department well. It is just the form of Rabada which may create concerns. With the bat, Rassie Van Dussen has been consistent. There are injury concerns with Temba Bavuma, and his inclusion is still unclear. Keegan Peterson is set to make his debut, and Quinton De Kock is back after a break to look after his mental health.
For the West Indies, they will be playing under a new leader in Kraig Brathwaite. Shai Hope and Kieron Powell are back in the squad, while Gabriel will miss out due to a hamstring injury. Nkrumah Bronner, who was successful in Bangladesh, may sit out for the first Test with seniors coming back.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Predicted XIs:
West Indies: 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), 2 Kieran Powell, 3 Shai Hope, 4 Kyle Mayers, 5 Jermaine Blackwood, 6 Jason Holder, 7 Joshua da Silva, (wk) 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Rahkeem Cornwall, 10 Kemar Roach, 11 Jayden Seales.
South Africa: 1 Dean Elgar (capt), 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Temba Bavuma/Kyle Verreynne, 5 Keegan Peterson, 6 Quinton de Kock (wk), 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Lungi Ngidi.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Players to watch out for:
Jason Holder:
After spending a considerable part of his career as the side leader, Jason Holder finds himself in an unusual person. He will be taking the field as a regular player and may seem a bit out of water. His form suggests that he still has a role to play, and he definitely will hope to show that he is one of the best yet.
Dean Elgar:
While Holder has finished his leadership duties, Dean Elgar has just begun his. Without Faf Du Plessis, Dean Elgar is now the most experienced member in the squad and has led the past. He was eager for the job and has spoken about how he wants individual performances to get better. With a lot of promise, Dean Elgar could hope to spark a change in South Africa’s fortunes.
West Indies Vs South Africa, Pitch, and Conditions:
The pitches in the West Indies have been slow and low for a while and may well be the same. However, with the West Indies fast bowlers doing well, there maybe a little more life on the surface this time around.
