India vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 1, Live score and updates: Virat Kohli’s men set for their toughest battle

As India gear up for much-anticipated 3-match Test series against South Africa, questions still surround Virat Kohli’s men over their preparedness on fast and bouncy pitches in the country.

India has climbed to the top spot of ICC Test rankings on the back of nine-consecutive series victories in the longest format, but the green overseas pitch in Cape Town pose a whole set of new challenge for India’s formidable batting line-up.

The side has not played much cricket in tough overseas conditions in recent time and did not have much time in hand to prepare themselves for it. Proteas bowling line-up which comprises of Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Chris Morris will only toughen up the situation for India.

The onus will be on Indian batsmen and bowlers to get used to the pitch, and that too quickly. The series promises an exciting prospect for both the teams and the first day of the first Test will be crucial for both the captains- Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis.

India vs South Africa 1st Test, Day 1 Live

1320 hrs IST: With lot of green patches on the screen, the pitch is expected to act slow on the first day and the batsmen will have to play more on the back foot and wait for the ball to come in. The first hour is likely to belong to bowler but the pitch could become batsman’s paradise later in the day. Former South African captain Shaun Pollock says the team to win the toss elect to bowl first.

1310 hrs IST: Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to start for India as he received his maiden Test cap early in the day from captain Virat Kohli. On green turf which will support fast bowling, his selection hardly comes as a surprise. Watch video below:

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amlam, T Bavuma, TB de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock †, AB de Villiers †, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, AK Markramm Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, AL Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn

India squad: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Parthiv Patel †, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha †, Ishant Sharma , Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav

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