South Africa Win Toss, Choose to Field First in 2nd Test Against India
Cape Town [South Africa], January 3 – South Africa captain Dean Elgar won the toss and elected to bat first against India in the must-win second and last Test of the two-match series at Newlands on Wednesday.
Cape Town, January 3 – South Africa’s captain Dean Elgar has won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the crucial second Test at Newlands. Elgar, who is set to retire from international cricket after the series, will lead the team in his final match. The hosts are aiming to give Elgar a fitting send-off with a victory, having already taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. Meanwhile, India will be eager to level the series after a disappointing loss in the opening Test in Centurion.
South Africa made a couple of changes to their playing XI, handing a debut cap to Tristan Stubbs, who replaced Temba Bavuma. Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj were also included in the team. On the other hand, India brought in Ravindra Jadeja in their playing XI, opting to bench off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. They also named Mukesh Kumar in place of Shardul Thakur.
Speaking at the time of the toss, Elgar said, Going to bat. The pitch looks interesting. We’re in a great position. Can’t win a two-match series if you don’t win the first – we’ve crossed that hurdle. The scoreboard starts on nought. We all know that. Starting well is going to be key against this Indian side. Got a debutant in Tristan Stubbs coming in for Temba. Ngidi comes in for Coetzee who’s also injured. And Maharaj comes in.
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his preference for batting first as well. Looks like a good pitch. We understand the challenge of batting first on that pitch, but nevertheless, there will be enough in the pitch for the seamers, so hopefully we’ll cash in on it. Important to forget what’s happened in the past. We understand the importance of getting runs on the board and getting 20 wickets. Didn’t happen in the first game but we’re upbeat about what we can achieve here. Two changes. Jadeja comes back for Ashwin. Shardul misses out, Mukesh Kumar replaces him, Sharma said.
The playing XI for South Africa includes Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi. Meanwhile, India’s playing XI consists of Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh Kumar.
The stage is set for an intense battle at Newlands as both teams aim to come out on top in this crucial match. South Africa will look to extend their dominance, while India will be determined to bounce back and level the series.
