Published: Dec 27, 2023, 10:31 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 27, 2023, 10:31 AM (IST)
Due to the absence of a single player, former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri stated on Tuesday that the Rohit Sharma-led team has an ideal opportunity to win their first-ever Test series in South Africa. Shastri stated that India has an advantage just because Vernon Philander, a former Proteas cricketer, who has a stellar record and is not on the team. During his playing career, the fast bowler had an incredible run of form against India. In the five Test matches he played at home, he took 18 wickets with an average of 18.
“This is India’s best chance, you know why? Because this bloke is not playing,” Shastri said pointing towards Philander during the pre-match show for Star Sports.
“We would have beaten South Africa at least twice when I came here but for this fellow. We’ve seen Rabada’s record, and Ngidi’s record. Take a look at his record as well against India. He always gets the important wickets when we don’t want one to fall,” Shastri added.
When India lost the Test series by 1-2 to South Africa in 2018, Shastri was the team’s head coach. Philander finished the series bagging 15 wickets, and was the top performer of the series.
In the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday, South Africa won the toss and proceeded with India to bat first. The play also got delayed by 30 mins because of damp patches on the pitch which were covered since Sunday due to rain.
“The wicket has been undercover for the past two days and there is a bit of moisture in the wicket, so we would like to make use of it,” said South African captain Temba Bavuma
With two debutants in batsman David Bedingham and left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger, South Africa decided to opt for an all-seam attack.
