The first of two test matches between South Africa and West Indies gets under way at Centurion on Tuesday and we take a look at the squads, recent form and the all important betting.
This 2 match series will be followed by 3 ODI's and 3 T20's. Let's begin with the test match squads.
Temba Bavuma takes over as the Proteas test match skipper and South Africa will select from the following squad.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton
There are a number of unfamiliar names in the Windies squad which is skippered by Kraigg Brathwaite.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeem Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas
Recent Form
South Africa
South Africa were in Australia in December and January. They failed to handle the conditions in losing the first test by 6 wickets and were thrashed by an innings and 182 runs in the second. A drawn third test saw Australia take the series 2-0.
The Proteas were in England in August / September, they won the first test by an innings and 12 runs but lost the second test by an innings and 85 runs and then lost the decider by 9 wickets to go down 2-1.
In March / April the Proteas won both test matches at home to Bangladesh by margins of 220 and then 332 runs.
West Indies:
West Indies were in Zimbabwe on route to South Africa, they drew the first test and then claimed a series win with an innings and 4 run victory in the second contest.
Prior to that West Indies lost both matches in Australia late last year by margins of 164 runs and 419 runs.
Recent Head to Head
The most recent series came in West Indies in June 21 and South Africa won both matches by margins of an innings and 63 runs and 158 runs.
Supersport Park, Centurion
Over the course of the last decade South Africa have won 7 and lost 2 of 9 test matches at Centurion
The most recent test at this venue came in December 2021 against India. India posted 327 and 174 to beat South Africa, 197 and 191, by 113 runs.
You can check the weather forecast here
The Betting - 1st Test Match
At the time of writing South Africa are 1 / 4 to win the match with the draw at 7/1 and West Indies are 5/1
Dean Elgar is 11/4 favourite to top score for South Africa in the first innings and Kraigg Brathwaite is the same price to do likewise for West Indies
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict
The Proteas really ought to have too much for West Indies and I'll look to Aiden Markram, who had a good SA20 and knows this ground well, to score a 50 in the first innings.
Bets: To Score 50 in the 1st Innings. Aiden Markram ? (yes) at 19/10 with Sportingbet
Risk Free First Bet Up to R2,000 back if you don't win
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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