The stage is set for Rohit Sharma and co. to return back to action with a bang after what was a disappointing last month for the country as well as the players.

Team India will start the 2-match Test series in South Africa starting December 26.

All the focus will be on returning players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma among others who will be looking to return to action after the World Cup loss in a positive manner.

South Africa are the only Test playing nation who haven’t allowed India to register a Test series win in their home.

With batters Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad unavailable for the series Team India will have to rely on India’s talisman Virat Kohli to show his class in front of the Centurion crowd.

Pacer Mohd Shami is also not available for the clash but the pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohd Siraj will be posing a threat to Protea batters as well.

When asked about the challenge of batting against Protea pacers, Rohit said “As a batter, it is a challenge to come and perform in South Africa as a batter. It is one of the toughest places to be as a batter. I was not here last time, but looking forward to that challenge, to do my job and see where it takes us.”

Rohit Sharma also emphasised on the importance of bowling in South African conditions.

“Every bowler will have a massive role, even spinners. Even when there is not much help for them, they have to do a job to contain the run flow. Seamers have done the job for us here. They play a second-fiddle role as spinners control runs and create pressure on batters. We have two experienced spinners who know what is required. There is not much talking we need to do in terms of strategy. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are also attacking with the ball.” Rohit added.

Where Will the India vs South Africa 1st Test Played?

IND vs SA 1st test will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

When and Where To Watch the Live Streaming of India vs South Africa 1st Test?

IND vs SA 1st test will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

South Africa Predicted XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Also Read:SA Vs IND: Sanjay Bangar Explains Team India’s Winless Streak In South Africa