The much-awaited series between two of the strongest teams in world cricket - India and South Africa - will begin on Thursday. Three one-day internationals (ODIs) and two Tests will be played in the bilateral series. The first ODI will kick off at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday.
Where to Watch Live:
The 1st ODI will begin at 5.00 pm IST (11:30 am GMT) and it will be telecast live on Ten Sports (in Hindi) and Ten Cricket in India. To catch the action via live stream in the U.S., click HERE. Viewers in the U.K., can click HERE. The Cricket Country will live stream the match HERE.
Overview:
India are currently topping ICC ODI ranking. They will come into the match at the back recent success, defeating Australia in a thrilling ODI series before getting the better of the West Indies in both Tests and ODIs at home. They will be keen to continue the winning run away from home.
South Africa on the other hand come into the match after a 1-2 defeat to Pakistan. Their outing in the UAE was a success but they Proteas faltered at home. They will be keen to beat the world No.1 ODI side in their own backyard.
Previous Meetings:
South Africa and India have 40-25 win-loss and two no result record in 67 ODI matches.
Team News:
India have made a few changes to its squad that played against West Indies. Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma have been added to the 16-member squad while Jaydev Unadkat and R Vinay Kumar were shown the doors.
South Africa have retained all the players who played in the series against Pakistan. The only change they have made to the squad is the inclusion of Henry Davids to its 15-member team.
Preview:
India's tour of South Africa is going to be interesting for more reasons than one. It will be a sort of contest between Indian batsmen and Proteas' bowlers. The tour will test the abilities of the visitors' young players away from home.
India boast of a strong batting line-up with youngsters like Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in terrific form, while skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh have the experience to take the team far. It will be interesting to see how Indian bowlers, especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami make use of the pitch in South Africa.
On the other hand, the Proteas will be worried with the way their batsmen played in the recently concluded series against Pakistan. However, the inclusion of experienced players like Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis in the team will boost their confidence. They have big hitters in skipper AB de Villiers and David Miller along with the calming presence of Hashim Amla. With bowling being their strength, Dale Steyn will be expected to rip into India's batting line-up in the series. Steyn and the rest of the pace attack will provide a litmus test for young Indian batsmen.
Squads:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma.
South Africa: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Greame Smith, Jacques Kallis, Henry Davids, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, David Miller, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Vernon Philander, Imran Tahir.
