India will be playing its first test with South Africa today (December 26th - 2023). It is quite a long time since India has played a test match this year. This is a good day for the test cricket lovers. However, according to sources, rain can ruin today's match. Rain clouds loom over SuperSport Park in Centurion as India and South Africa prepare for the first of two Tests. 

If the weather gods play spoilsport, the much-anticipated Boxing Day match, in which India hopes to break its Test series jinx in South Africa, might be reduced to a one-match shootout. AccuWeather forecasts a 96% probability of rain during the day, with approximately four hours of precipitation likely. The outfield, which has already been soaked by relentless rain over the last two days, is unlikely to be in good shape.

Even if the rain stops throughout the day, there is a 60% probability that it will return during the night, impacting the second day's play as well. These dismal circumstances will likely benefit both teams' pacers, who will enjoy the dark skies and probable swing bowling opportunities.

Shami's absence is a blow for India

Despite acknowledging the enormous vacuum left by Mohammed Shami's injury, India skipper Rohit Sharma voiced faith in his bowlers to stand up despite the difficult conditions.

"Our fast bowlers have earned that respect, because of their outstanding performances in overseas conditions," he said. "They've done well in Australia, England, and South Africa over the last five to seven years." We won the first Test in South Africa last year but came close in the other two matches. They have pitched in and delivered exactly what we expected."

"Shami's experience and what he has done for our team over the years will be greatly missed," he added. Someone will come to take his position; it will not be easy, but we have a lot of faith in whoever takes his place."

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Focus on pace and bounce as bowlers take center stage

With swing and seam bowling expected to dominate, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to lead India's assault. Mukesh Kumar or Prasidh Krishna are anticipated to fill the vacuum left by Shami.

However, India's batting will need to be strong to offset the Proteas' bowling strength. In South Africa, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul's averages fall considerably, putting enormous pressure on Virat Kohli's veteran shoulders.

Shardul Thakur emphasized the difficulties of playing Test cricket in South Africa on R Ashwin's YouTube channel: "South Africa is one of the most difficult countries to play Test cricket in." Even if we play all around the country, this is one place where you never know what you're going to get from the pitch."

India vs South Africa 1st Test Live Streaming Details

Q: When will the South Africa vs India 1st test match begin?

A: The 1st test match between India and South Africa will begin on December 26.

Q: At what time will the match begin?

A: The South Africa vs India 1st test match will start at 1: 30 PM IST. 

Q: Where can we watch the live match of India vs. South Africa's first Test match?

A: The first Test match between India and South Africa will be telecast live on the Star Sports network in India. But if you want to watch the match on your mobile, sign up on Winexch and watch live cricket for free.

Q: Where will the first Test match between India and South Africa be played?

A: The first Test between India and South Africa will be played at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion.

Q: Where can we watch the first Test match between India and South Africa live?

A: The first Test match between India and South Africa will be streamed live on Disney+Hotstar. However, if you don’t want to waste your money on subscriptions, sign up on Winexch to watch live and today cricket match highlights.

Squads:

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

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill,  KL Rahul(w), Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Abhimanyu Easwaran.

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