 "India are bowling first in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Images: BCCI")
India vs South Africa Test 1st Match Toss News: Shubman Gill lost another toss while world champion South Africa opted to bat in the first match of the two-Test series at Eden Gardens on Friday (14 November). India have included Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, while Sai Sudharsan was dropped to accommodate Axar Patel.
Overall, India have four spinners in the match – Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. The big blow for South Africa was the absence of Kagiso Rabada, who is out with a rib injury, while Corbin Bosch has been added to the playing XI.
Gill loses another toss as SA opt to bat at Eden Gardens
Here’s what Gill said at the toss: “(On losing yet another toss) I think the only toss that I’m going to win is hopefully in the WTC finals. Looks like a good surface. Hopefully, we’ll get some movement early, hopefully we’re able to extract that. Dressing room is pretty amazing. This Test bunch is very hungry and is always determined to perform every time we come out. These two test matches for us are very crucial and we’re as hungry as ever.”
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was excited to play at the iconic Eden Gardens, but the focus remained on winning the Test.
“The boys just came back from Pakistan. I was with the A team. From a preparation point of view, we’ve done as best as we can. It’s not every day you get to play against 50,000-60,000 people in the stands. So, I’m looking forward to the challenge. Being back in India, it’s always an eye-opener. Looking forward to everything.
“It’s been sitting well at the moment (on being the World Test Champions). Hopefully, nothing really changes. For the performance point of view, work around with a lot more pride. But to keep doing what we’ve been doing. (On the pitch) It’s on the dry side. Not much grass. It’s a typical Indian wicket. First innings runs is the key.”
India playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
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View AllSouth Africa playing XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj