SA vs SL 1st Test Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

South Africa to face Sri Lanka in 1st Test [Source: @TembaBavuma/@OfficialSLC/X.com]

The first Test of the 2-game series between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set to begin on November 27 at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. The big match will begin at 1.00 PM IST for fans in India.

SA vs SL 1st Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

SA vs SL 1st Test: Bavuma makes comeback

South Africa released its 14-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, where captain Temba Bavuma is making a comeback after a long injury layoff. An elbow injury kept him out of the Bangladesh series. But the skipper is now fit to lead his side.

Besides, quality pacers Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee have also returned to serve in the whites. However, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger have been excluded due to injuries. Regardless, the Proteas’ spirits are high as they are coming off a stunning series sweep victory over Bangladesh.

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SA vs SL 1st Test: Sri Lanka Aims WTC final

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will approach the upcoming series against South Africa as make or break since the WTC final qualification is at stake. In their 17-member squad, Sri Lanka recalled left-arm spinner Embuldeniya after 2022. Prabath Jayasuriya, who took 18 wickets against New Zealand, will also mark his return.

Oshada Fernando, the opening batter who last played for Sri Lanka a year ago, has also been recalled. While Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis will anchor the batting lineup. Mendis will be key as his Test average is above 90 in 2024. Overall, Sri Lanka’s squad also looks balanced as they take on the mighty South Africans in the latter’s backyard.

SA vs SL 1st Test: Pitch Report

The pitch at Kingsmead Stadium will have enough bounce, pace and grass initially, with overcast conditions helping fast bowlers immensely. Once the sun is out, the pitch will get slow and easier to bat. However, weather predicts showers in between, meaning the moisture will be retained. Hence, not many big scores are expected, but it will indeed be an eventful game. Batting first is a good choice to avoid batting last on this surface.

SA vs SL 1st Test: Key Players & Stats

• Kamindu Mendis: 943 runs in 2024, 5 hundred; Average: 94.30; SR: 67.02
• Vishwa Fernando: 20 wickets in 4 Tests vs South Africa; Average: 24.00; Economy: 3.95
• Kagiso Rabada: 35 in 7 games vs Sri Lanka; Average: 21.51; Economy: 3.70
• Aiden Markram: 560 runs in 8 games; Average: 40; SR: 64.66
• Tony de Zorzi: 556 runs in 8 games; Average: 39.71; SRK: 55.6

SA vs SL 1st Test: Probable Playing XI

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karuanaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando 

SA vs SL 1st Test: Winner Prediction

South Africa and Sri Lanka’s recent form in Test cricket has been terrific, meaning the upcoming 1st Test is evenly poised. However, considering the home conditions advantage and return of key players, South Africa is likely to win the 1st Test.

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