The first Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to start in Mohali on Friday. The two teams will play four Test matches before the long tour concludes. The visitors have registered two consecutive series wins by outplaying India, first in the T20 format and then in ODIs.
As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, partly cloudy to cloudy sky conditions will prevail in Mohali at the start of play. Day temperature will settle around 18 to 20°C in the morning. Light rain, with a couple of good showers, is expected till noon. Thereafter, the weather will gradually clear up.
Light winds will continue to blow over the region on all five days. Only Day 1 is likely to see rainfall activity with clear weather conditions expected during the remaining four days. Few clouds will dot the sky but there's very little to no chance of rain once we cross Day 1.
Mohali Test is going to set the tone for a new contest between two new captains. The cool and calm MS Dhoni will be replaced by a charged and aggressive Virat Kohli. As for South Africa, Hashim Amla will take charge of the team, which means the already destructive AB de Villiers will bat even more freely now.
India will play a Test series at home after two years of overseas thumping. In the last 17 Test series at home, India has lost only one. India drew 1-1 with South Africa in 2008 and 2010. India will look to play to their strength i.e. spin bowling. India played three spinners in the deciding ODI at Mumbai and had to deal with a run-laden pitch with nothing for the spin attack. There’s no point of playing at home if you don’t take advantage of the conditions.
India’s selection crisis will follow the team in Test format also. It starts with the opening slot where Murali Vijay is the only constant. The variables include Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, and even Che Pujara. In addition to this, Ravindra Jadeja’s mind blowing domestic performance will make it difficult for the selectors to keep him out. There’s news about Ashwin’s inclusion and Amit Mishra’s off-field problems continue to haunt him. If India play 5 bowlers, then Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul may have to sit out. But if India choose to play 4 bowlers, Jaddu may face the axe.
In any case, the Mohali Test promises to be a riveting contest. Rain on Day 1 will dampen spirits, but clear weather conditions for the remainder of the series will give ample time for a result. We will keep you updated on weather and cricket, as the more serious format of the game takes off in Mohali.
(Featured Image Credit: sportskeeda.com)
