Delhi: The first match of the two-match Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka will be played in Durban from Wednesday, 27 November, while the second Test will be played at St. George’s Park in Gekeberha from 5 December. South Africa, ranked third in the ICC Test team rankings, has played eight matches so far in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with four wins, one draw and three losses and is placed fifth with 54.17 percent points.
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South Africa has announced its 14-member team under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma. Bavuma, who is returning after injury, will take command of the team in this series. At the same time, the team has been strengthened by the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Berger are unavailable due to injury.
Sri Lanka, who are ranked sixth in the ICC Test rankings, are full of confidence. Recently they have registered series wins against India, New Zealand and West Indies. Sri Lanka has announced its 17-man squad under the captaincy of Dhananjay de Silva, in which Lasith Embuldeniya and Kasun Rajitha have returned.
In the 31 Tests played so far, South Africa has won 16 matches and Sri Lanka has won 9, while six matches have been drawn.
Durban Pitch Report
The pitch of Kingsmead Stadium can prove to be very helpful for fast bowlers. Bounce and swing will be seen on the pitch in the first two days, while on the fourth and fifth days it will slow down and become favorable for spinners.
- Average score of first innings: around 310 runs
- South Africa’s record in Durban: 15 wins, 16 losses in 45 tests
- Sri Lanka’s record in Durban: 2 wins, 1 draw in 3 tests
Bowling first on the Durban pitch can be beneficial, because the bowlers will get full benefit of swing and bounce in the initial overs. In such a situation, the captain who wins the toss can decide to bowl first.
weather condition
The day temperature in Durban will be between 21°C to 27°C. There is a possibility of partly cloudy sky, but the chances of rain are very less. Hot and humid weather can prove helpful for fast bowlers.
Probable playing eleven of both the teams –
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony De Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton/David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjay de Silva (captain), Sadira Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando.