South Africa vs India – 3rd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is South Africa vs India taking place? Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is South Africa vs India taking place? Six Gun Grill Newlands, Cape Town
What is the expected weather for South Africa vs India? 22-31c dry with cloud and sunny intervals early on Day 1, before clear sunshine across the rest of the match and light winds on Days 4 and 5
What channel is South Africa vs India on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream South Africa vs India? Sky Sports subscribers can stream this match live via the Sky Go App
LAST MEETING
South Africa beat India by seven wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA
- In a tight second Test which saw the pendulum swing multiple ways, South Africa pulled off a successful run chase, losing just three wickets to level the series and leave everything to play for going into Cape Town.
- Following Quinton de Kock’s shock retirement from Test cricket at the end of the first Test, wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was handed an opportunity to play in the second Test and is likely to keep his place here.
- Although the temptation may be to rotate the quicker bowlers with Anrich Nortje a candidate to replace Lungi Ngidi or Marco Jansen, it would be no surprise if South Africa stuck with the same side which brought them success in the second Test.
INDIA
- India failed to accrue a score of over 300 in either of their two innings in the second Test and this, combined with their bowlers being unable to prise out the dogged South African batters in the fourth innings led to them suffering a first Test match defeat of 2022.
- The big question facing the Indian team in terms of selection for the third Test is whether captain Virat Kohli is fit enough to return to the side after missing the second Test due to a back spasm and whilst the Indian camp is confident that he will be passed fit to play, opener KL Rahul is on standby to lead the tourists once again should Kohli be ruled out.
- After suffering a hamstring injury during the second Test, it would be a surprise if bowler Mohammed Siraj was risked for this match whilst opener Rohit Sharma remains out of action, also due to a hamstring problem.
THE PREDICTION
An exciting three-match Test series comes to a head at Newlands with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1. South Africa showed incredible fight to overcome India in the second Test, making their fourth innings run chase seem far more comfortable than it was, largely due to the brilliant brave batting of Dean Elgar. India’s KL Rahul criticised the performance of the tourist batters in the first innings and the expectation is that an improved showing should be on the cards from them in Cape Town. Whilst Virat Kohli may not be in the best form currently, his presence was missed in Johannesburg. As a captain, Kohli is a true leader and his attacking mentality in the field could have made a huge difference. Should the Indian skipper return to the starting line-up, it would provide a huge boost within the entire team, which would likely be reflected on the field of play. With that in mind, consider backing India to triumph in this third Test, on the condition that Kohli is fit to play.
