South Africa Brace for Boxing Day Battle Against India as Rabada and Ngidi Eye Test Return
Pretoria will witness a cricketing clash for the ages as South Africa and India lock horns in the first Test on Boxing Day. The hosts are hopeful of fielding their pace spearheads Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, with both recovering from respective heel and ankle injuries.
“They’re both available for selection, and we haven’t called in any replacements,” confirmed coach Shukri Conrad. “Fingers crossed, we’ll have a full pool of 15 fit players come Tuesday morning.”
Even if Rabada and Ngidi remain sidelined, firebrand fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is likely to earn his Test stripes. This 23-year-old impressed in the recent ODI World Cup and boasts nine wickets in his two Test appearances against West Indies.
“He brings aggression, he brings something that we’ve always prided ourselves on as South Africans, which is pace,” admitted Conrad.
“He brings all of those elements and hopefully through the experience he builds in the (T20) league’s and playing for South Africa with the white and red ball, in a couple of years’ time he can be leading our bowling attack.”
For India, a maiden Test series win in South Africa remains the ultimate prize. But Conrad’s men are determined to defend their unbeaten home record against the tourists.
“”If it was possible to make this even bigger, then the fact that India have never won here does that. We certainly want to hold on to that proud record and make sure that that doesn’t happen,” declared Conrad.
READ MORE: Injury sidelines Gaikwad from India vs South Africa tests
With potent bowling lineups on both sides, this Test series could be defined by who bowls with greater determination and skill. While South Africa boasts a quality pace attack, India’s own fast bowlers were destructive forces at the recent World Cup 2023.
Batting is the area where South Africa might encounter some trouble due to a lack of depth and experience. Dean Elgar’s retirement from Test cricket after this series adds to the intrigue, as all eyes will be on his performance. Ending his career on home soil with a fairytale farewell will undoubtedly be a motivating factor for him.
A true stalwart of South African cricket, renowned for his remarkable grit and resilience, Elgar has been a phenomenal batsman for the Proteas over the past five years.
Who will land the first blow in this heavyweight showdown? Tune in on Tuesday to first test between India and South Africa to find out!
