This series was already an important one for South Africa in their bid to make a better first of competing in the World Test Championship, but the cricketing drought for the Proteas has made it even more crucial.
South Africa vs India | 26 – 30 December | Centurion, Tshwane
To Win Match
South Africa 5/2 | Draw 17/10 | India 14/10
South Africa
Much of the build-up to this series has focused on whether it will actually take part as Omicron plays havoc with the Proteas home summer.
The final round of First-Class cricket was called off due to the virus but there have been a few standout players who have made a case for inclusion in the team for the first Test.
Fitness will play a big factor in which quicks play for the Proteas with Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada set for selection with Anrich Nortje ruled out of the series.
Duanne Olivier has put pressure on selectors with a brilliant start to the four-day series. It remains to be seen whether Keshav Maharaj cracks the nod or if they go with a fourth seamer, with Marco Jansen potentially in line for a Test debut.
India
India have brought an impressive pace battery of their own giving them real hope of putting the home side under pressure.
The trouble for India could be the form of their top order, with arguably their best batsman in these conditions, Rohit Sharma, missing out on the series with injury.
Skipper Virat Kohli is in the midst of a Test ton drought that stretches all the way back to 2019 and other senior players have also battling for runs.
India openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal will be key as they will need to try to blunt the Proteas pace attack while the ball is still new.
Verdict: India 14/10
The tourists come into the series battle-hardened and ready to upstage the Proteas.
