(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India and South Africa lock horns in the first Test of the two-match series, commencing on Tuesday in Centurion.
The start of play was delayed by half an hour due to wet outfield. Before the action began, the coin flipped in South Africa’s favour as the hosts chose to bowl first.
As India announced their playing XI for the match, captain Rohit Sharma sprung a surprise. Ravindra Jadeja, whose place was a certainty, was excluded from the XI. Rohit informed that the all-rounder complained of back spasms and hence, India had no option left but to pick veteran Ravichandran Ashwin.
The rest of the line-up was on the expected lines. Rohit will open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill will bat at the number three slot. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will form the middle-order. Rahul will also keep the wickets.
Shardul Thakur and Ashwin are the bowling all-rounders. The pace trio comprises Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who is making his Test debut.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal,
Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran
Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna