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SA vs IND: 'Green' Centurion Pitch Scares Batters Ahead Of Boxing Day Test

image-lqhx6qpoCenturion will host the first Test between India and South Africa. (X.com)

After securing the three-match ODI series, the Indian team is set to lock horns with hosts South Africa in a two-match Test series. The first match is scheduled to commence on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

As always, ahead of any overseas Test that India play, the focus remains on the pitch, and this time will be no different. As the first Test approaches quickly, the Centurion pitch is under scrutiny, with a lot of speculation surrounding it. 

A photo of the pitch, shared by Revsportz, has surfaced on social media two days before the Boxing Day Test between the Proteas and Indians. While the photo may not provide a close-up view, from a distance, the pitch appears to be a good wicket with no evident green tinge.


Centurion Pitch Review

Historically, the SuperSport Park pitch is known for its pace and bounce, earning a reputation as one of the fastest wickets in South Africa. While the pitch favours bowlers, especially pacers, batters can also excel, once they are in. 

Like in most venues around the world, chasing in the fourth innings is exceptionally challenging, with no team successfully chasing a target of 250 or more in the 28 matches played here.

In 2023, only one Test match has been played at the SuperSport Park, where the team batting first scored 342 runs, and the chasing team fell short of a target of 246. Considering these stats, the team winning the toss should opt to bat first.


All set for the first Test

In terms of team news, the Indian squad will miss the services of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been ruled out of the entire Test series. Abhimanyu Easwaran will join as his replacement. 

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has returned home but is expected to rejoin the team ahead of the first Test. In the Proteas camp, Kagiso Rabada's participation in the first game is uncertain. 

Nevertheless, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India will aim to make history by securing their first-ever Test series victory in South Africa. Achieving this milestone would make them the first Indian team and the second Asian team after Sri Lanka to win a Test series in the rainbow nation.