The South African test team are in the West Indies for a 2 match series against the hosts and both tests will take place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.
The West Indies last test action was back in March when they toured Sri Lanka playing a 2 test series, both games finishing in draws. Prior to that they had beaten Bangladesh 2-0 on the road, but took a hammering by the same margin against New Zealand away. They have a relatively inexperienced squad, but one that is brimming with talent and things certainly won’t be easy for the Proteas.
Test Matches are a rare commodity for South Africans these days and the Proteas last action was all the way back in January when they took on Pakistan away from home, losing both tests. Prior to that they had beaten Sri Lanka 2-0 in what now appears to be a standard 2 match Test Series for the South Africans. Dean Elgar will Captain the side with Temba Bavuma his Vice Captain.
SERIES BETTING
West Indies 28/10
Draw 19/10
South Africa 23/20
Click here for Series Betting including Correct Score Markets where South Africa 2-0 is trading at 22/10
FIRST TEST BETTING – Click here to bet
West Indies 37/20
Draw 4/1
South Africa 1/1
Suggested Bet: The Draw at 4/1
The draw is not a common result in Test Match cricket these days, but a look at this grounds history shows that 4 of the last 7 Tests have finished level. The weather forecast does not look too bad at this stage, but there could be some rain about and I will certainly be keeping a close eye on that as we lead into the first ball on Thursday.
Both these sides will be trying to make sure they do not lose the 1st Test and all things considered I think 4/1 is a good price.
The Markets on Top Batsman and Top Bowler should be out over the next day or two and I will add a bet in this market to this preview.
Additional Bet: Top Away bet Markram at 33/10
Markram is at an interesting point in his international career and he really needs to start turning good starts into big hundreds. I expect him to enjoy conditions and am backing him to be Top SA bat in the 1st innings.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
