IND vs SA first Test: Key South African players to watch out for

The South African tour of India in 2019 began with a washed-out T20I series in Dharamshala. The three-match T20 series, however, ended in a draw with both teams winning a game each. The two heavyweights will now contest in the third edition of ‘Freedom Trophy’ Test series which also coincides with the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be played at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vishakhapatnam.

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India vs South Africa first Test: Story so far

Ever since its inauguration in 2015, the upcoming series will be the third edition of Freedom Trophy between two nations. While hosts India won the inaugural edition by blanking the visitors 3-0 in 4 Tests, the Proteas returned the favour when India toured South Africa in 2018. Even though South Africa will go into the upcoming series as current trophy holders, they still have a gruelling schedule of three Test matches ahead. The ongoing tour started with a 3-match T20I series which ended in a 1-1 draw.  

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South African players to watch out for

The present South African unit does not boast the same kind of Test experience in India. After the retirements of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, who have been visitors’ most successful batsmen in sub-continental conditions, the current Proteas batting line-up will be looking for someone else to emulate their success on turning Indian tracks.

A lot depends on their openers Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar to provide good starts for the visitors on a regular basis. Also, to rival the Indian spin-trio led by Ravichandran Ashwin, the Proteas will be heavily banking on their own spinners Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy. Skipper Faf du Plessis will also be looking to improve his Test record in India by playing some crucial innings for the South African middle-order. Their wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who is fresh off the Man of the Series award in the T20I series, will now prepare to score heavily in the game’s longest format as well.

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