Ahead of Boxing Day, South Africa vs. India: Centurion surface steals the show.

After winning the three-match ODI series 1-2, India is preparing for a difficult two-match Test series against South Africa. The first game is scheduled to begin on December 26 at Centurion’s SuperSport Park. The second game will take place at Cape Town’s Newlands Cricket Ground.

Now, everyone’s focus is on the most important element—the Boxing Day Test surface. The Centurion pitch is the subject of extensive scrutiny as the first test draws near, leading to a lot of conjecture. Two days prior to India and South Africa’s Boxing Day Test match, a picture of the ground surfaced on social media. The shot does not provide a close-up view, but from a distance, the pitch appears to be in good condition and does not appear to have a greenish tint.

A look at the Supersport Park pitch ahead of India vs South Africa 1st Test in Centurion #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/aHSoHqOUid

— RevSportz (@RevSportz) December 23, 2023

One of the fastest wickets in South Africa is at SuperSport Park in Centurion, which is renowned for its rapid and bouncy surface. Bowlers, especially quick bowlers, tend to do better on this surface, but after hitters settle in, they may also succeed. Notably, of the 28 matches played at this location, no side was able to successfully chase a goal of 250 or more. Chasing in the fourth inning proved to be particularly challenging.

Test series exempt for Ruturaj Gaikwad

Due to a right ring finger injury received while fielding in the second ODI against South Africa at Gqeberha, Ruturaj Gaikwad will miss the whole Test series. The medical staff of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) declared him out for the remainder of the trip after scans and expert consultation; Abhimanyu Easwaran will take his place.

Senior player Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has left for home but is expected to be back with the squad before the opening test. Rohit Sharma will be back in action as India looks to win their first-ever Test series in South Africa, following a sabbatical following their loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final. Furthermore, it is still unclear if Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will play in the opening game.