As India gears up for the first Test against South Africa (IND vs SA 1st Test) in Centurion on Boxing Day, uncertainties loom over the possibility of play on Day 1 due to unfavourable weather conditions, according to pitch curator Brian Bloy.
Bloy expressed concern about the weather forecast, stating to PTI, “You are seeing a forecast on Day 1 and Day 2. It doesn’t look very good. The sun is out for four days and, so there will be some purchases for spinners, offer turn and bounce; with the weather forecast, I don’t know how accurate it will be as there will be a lot of rain.”
This weather dilemma brings back memories of the World Test Championship final at the Oval, where India left out spinner Ravichandran Ashwin due to green conditions. Despite Ashwin being on the brink of the 500-wicket milestone, there have been ongoing debates about his performances in SENA countries.
IND vs SA 1st Test: Shardul or Ashwin?
The Indian team management, having favored fast-bowler Shardul Thakur in SENA conditions. And they may lean towards a similar strategy in Centurion. The weather forecast, predicting rain on Day 1 and a substantial portion of Day 2, raises questions about Ashwin’s potential role in the IND vs SA 1st Test.
Curator Bloy highlighted the challenges a delayed start on Day 3 might pose, saying, “So if it’s a Day-3, 10 am start, it doesn’t give us much time because it’s in the morning and you start playing at ten and really three hours of cool weather and early morning will be tricky. If it’s covered for two days, I would presume bowlers would benefit from it.”
The rain threat might see Ashwin warming the bench, as India contemplates a four-seamers-one-spinner combination, with Ravindra Jadeja being the preferred spin option. The team will closely monitor the weather conditions, and fans await updates on whether rain will disrupt the much-anticipated Test series opener.
