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[Saba Sports News] India is preparing for a challenging two-match Test series against South Africa, following a 1-2 victory in the ODI series. The series commences on December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the second match at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. As the Boxing Day Test draws near, the Centurion pitch is under scrutiny, with a recently shared photo on social media showing a well-maintained surface without a greenish hue.
SuperSport Park is renowned for its fast, bouncy pitch, often favoring fast bowlers while also offering opportunities for batters. However, it presents a challenge in the fourth innings, as no team has successfully chased a target over 250 in its 28 matches.
In team news, Ruturaj Gaikwad is out for the series due to a right ring finger injury from the second ODI. The BCCI medical team has replaced him with Abhimanyu Easwaran. Virat Kohli, after a brief break, is expected back for the first Test. Rohit Sharma, taking a break after the ODI World Cup final, is also set to return. The availability of Kagiso Rabada, a key South African fast bowler, for the first match is uncertain. India aims to achieve its first Test series win in South Africa in this upcoming series.