The first match of the two-match Test series between India and South Africa is being played at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. In this match, African team captain Temba Bavuma has decided to bat first after winning the toss. Some important decisions have also been seen in the playing 11 of both the teams in this match, in which South Africa is playing this match without its most important fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. South African team captain Temba Bavuma revealed the reason behind the decision of not playing Rabada at the time of toss.
Rabada is out due to injury
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, in his statement after winning the toss in the Kolkata Test against India, when asked about his playing XI, said that Kagiso Rabada is out of the match due to a rib injury. “We have decided to replace Rabada with Corbin Bosch,” he said.
Regarding his team’s preparations for the Test series, Bavuma said, “We will try our best because you don’t get the opportunity to play in front of 50,000 to 60,000 spectators every day. The pitch appears to be a bit dry, with not much grass.” South Africa has fielded two main spin bowlers in this match, including Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer.
These two matches are very important
Indian team captain Shubman Gill, after losing the toss, said, “I hope that whichever toss I win will directly lead to the World Test Championship final. This pitch looks good, and may help the fast bowlers initially. Furthermore, as the game progresses, the spin bowlers can show their magic. This two-match Test series is very important for us, and all the players are eager to perform well. Rishabh Pant is returning to our playing XI in place of Nitish Reddy, and Axar Patel has also returned.”