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IND vs SA, 1st Test: Rain to Play Spoilsport in Centurion, SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium?

image-lqi0h7v8Rain will play its part in the Centurion Test (AP)

The two-match Test series between India and South Africa kicks off with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion on Saturday. This marks India's first Test series in South Africa since the 2021-22 season, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat in a three-Test series. The Supersport Park will be the venue for the first Test, hosting both teams for the first since 2021-22.

Given the brevity of the series, a strong start is imperative for both teams. Securing victory in the initial Test not only ensures they won't lose the series but also positions them favourably to clinch the series or, at the very least, secure a draw.

However, a looming concern for both sides is the weather. According to the SuperSport Park pitch curator Bryan Bloy, the forecast ahead of the Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa doesn't look good, especially for the first two days. Bryan also provided insight into how the pitch is going to be:

"The forecast for the first two days isn't looking that great. The pitch will help the pacers, and there will be good bounce. The spinners will also get a turn and help,”  as reported by RevSportz.

Unfortunately, the forecast for the first two days is unfavorable, with a 96% chance of rain and thunderstorms predicted, along with temperatures ranging from 23-27 degrees Celsius on Day 1.

Day 2 offers more promising weather conditions, with some cloud cover but only a 25% chance of rain. Moving to Day 3, a light shower is anticipated during the first session, presenting a 41% chance of precipitation. However, the subsequent sessions are expected to proceed uninterrupted.

As the match progresses, rain is likely to interrupt the final two days of the first Test, with a 60% chance of precipitation and temperatures hovering around 27 degrees Celsius.

While some Indian players have experience from the previous series, a significant number will be making their debut in South African conditions. This factor raises hopes that this tour could present India's best opportunity to secure a maiden Test series victory in the rainbow nation.

The significance of this two-match affair extends beyond bilateral stakes, as it forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC) Cycle 2023-25. Both teams will be vying for crucial points, with the series marking the return of captain Rohit Sharma and ex-skipper Virat Kohli to international cricket, their first appearance since the World Cup 2023 final.

Notably, India is yet to conquer South Africa in eight previous attempts, raising the stakes of this series as this could be the final opportunity for the likes of Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin to overcome their ‘final frontier’.