According to Centurion curator Brian Bloy, the start of the first Test between India and South Africa is likely to be affected by rain and a drop in temperature. With the pitch under covers, batting first could be challenging and spinners are unlikely to get much help. The Supersport Park pitch at Centurion tends to aid fast bowlers, and the threat of rain could impact the first and second days of the Test clash.
Bloy expressed uncertainty about playability on Day 1 due to extensive rain cover and lack of rolling. The looming threat of rain may make conditions challenging for spinners and could favor bowlers if the cover persists for two days. The prospect of rain also raises questions about the typically spin-friendly conditions at Centurion, potentially affecting Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance.
Despite past rumors of interference in curator responsibilities, Bloy emphasized minimal communication with the Proteas team management and commitment to preparing a quality wicket based on Supersport’s characteristics. As the first Test approaches, the uncertainty surrounding the weather and pitch conditions adds an intriguing dimension to the upcoming cricket spectacle.
Weather Report
Accuweather predicts a 96 percent chance of rain in Centurion on the opening day of the Test match, with a significant drop in temperature from 34 to 20 degrees.
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk).
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk).