India To Win Test Series in SA for 1st Time? | India Vs South Africa Test Series Preview
Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri expressed optimism about India’s chances of winning their first Test series in South Africa, attributing it to the absence of former Proteas cricketer Vernon Philander. Shastri highlighted Philander’s historical success against India, citing his average of 18 with 25 wickets in five home Test matches. During a pre-match show, Shastri emphasized that Philander’s exclusion enhances India’s prospects, recalling past series where Philander proved a significant challenge for the Indian team. Shastri pointed out that India might have won those series if not for Philander’s contributions.
In 2018, when Shastri was the head coach, India lost a Test series to South Africa, with Philander emerging as the top performer with 15 wickets. Despite the absence of Philander in the current series, South Africa, having won the toss, opted for an all-seam attack in the first Test. The match faced a 30-minute delay due to damp patches on the pitch caused by rain. South African captain Temba Bavuma noted the moisture and expressed the team’s intention to capitalize on the favorable conditions. South Africa introduced two debutants, David Bedingham and Nandre Burger, for the opening Test.
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