WI vs SA Match Preview- 1st Test, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024

The WI vs SA first Test will be played at Port of Spain Trinidad from August 7-11. This is the first of the two Test matches to be played between the two teams. The Test series is a part of the WTC 2023-25 campaign.

WI v SA Date and Venue

Trinidad hosts the WI vs SA first Test from August 7-11. The match starts at 7.30 pm IST.

WI vs SA Match Preview- 1st Test, South Africa Tour Of West Indies 2024

West Indies

West Indies are placed tenth on the WTC points table. They are fresh off a Test series defeat to England in their previous series. Kraigg Brathwaite leads the side with Kemar Roach back in the Test squad.

Alzarri Joseph has been retsed. West Indies have won just three out of the 32 Test matches played against South Africa over the years. Playing at home, they should look to win this series to stay alive in the WTC table.

West Indies Squad

Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Joshua Da Silva (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Bryan Charles, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

South Africa

South Africa last played Test cricket in February 2024. Back then they lost to New Zealand 2-0 in a Test series.

South Africa have a good winning record against West Indies winning 22 of the 32 Test matches. They last won 2-0 in South Africa.

For this Test series, Anrich Nortje is rested. Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack and will have Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj for company. Gerald Coetzee will miss the series with a side strain.

Uncapped fast bowler Migael Pretorius has been named as Coetzee's replacement. The 29-year-old had been earlier called up to the test side in 2020 against Sri Lanka but did not feature for the side.

The batting lineup looks largely inexperienced with Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma the most experienced batters.

South Africa Squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Migael Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.

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WI vs SA Key Battles

Aiden Markram vs Kemar Roach

For the two most experienced players from both sides, this battle might well decide the fate of the Test match. Roach has dismissed Markram thrice in Test matches.

Kraigg Brathwaite vs Kagiso Rabada

The Windies skipper has to lead this overall inexperienced batting lineup. He has to bat out of his skin against all the bowlers especially Rabada who has dismissed him seven times in the last two Test series.

WI vs SA Key Players

For West Indies, Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hoge are the key batters, and Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph are the key bowlers.

For South Africa, Aiden Markram and David Bedingham are key batters and in form. While Kagis Rabada and Keshav Maharaj will be key with the ball.

WI vs SA Weather And Pitch Report

There is rain prediction across all five days of the Test match. The match starts from 10 am local time with the temperature likely to be between 30-35 degrees. There might be multiple rain interruptions in the first Test.

Conclusion

The Test series is between the two teams in the lower half of the points table in desperate need of points. A loss for the West Indies in this series will almost end their challenge in this edition of the WTC.

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