Test cricket returns to South Africa on Boxing Day when South Africa and India meet in the 1st of 3 Tests at Centurion and we take a look at the match from a betting angle.
The Proteas haven't played a lot of test cricket in the past couple of years, but in mid year they did beat the West Indies on the road. They previously lost both tests away to Pakistan and beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their last home series a year ago.
India bounced back from the disappointment of losing the World Test Final to New Zealand by beating them 1-0 in a two match home series which has recently finished. They beat England 3-1 at home earlier in the year and at the end of last year they came from behind to beat Australia 2-1 in a 4 match series.
These sides last met in Test cricket in 2019 where India won all 3 matches at home, but the last series hosted in South Africa in 2018 saw the Proteas come out 2-1 victors.
South Africa have been hit by the late withdrawal of Anrich Nortje, but welcomed back fellow speedster, Duanne Olivier.
1st TEST BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 12/5
Draw 9/4
India5/4
Suggested Bet: Top Indian Bowler, Bumrah at 2/1
Bumrah should be well suited by the Centurion track as he will prove a handful for the South African top order.
Suggested Bet: Top South African Batsman, First Innings, Markram at 33/10
T20 and Test Match cricket are very different in nature, but I think the confidence that Markram would have taken out of the T20 World Cup performances would boost his overall morale and I am expecting him to have a great series against India.
Suggested Bet: Top South African Bowler, First Innings, Olivier at 7/2
Rabada the 5/2 favourite in this market just hasn’t been at his best of late and with Nortje out I am expecting Olivier to make an immediate impact.
I am not going to place a bet on the match result at this point although I do have a sneaking feeling that South Africa may be the value at 12/5.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
