The West Indies prepare to host South Africa having recorded just one Test match win in their last four series. James Richardson previews.
West Indies v South Africa – First Test
7 – 11 August 2024
Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain
South Africa themselves have delivered a mixed bag and are seeking to make up for Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock’s departure from the format.
The Proteas have geared up for the first Test in Tarouba and now head to Port-of-Spain further north on the island. In four Tests against the West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval, South Africa have a perfect record of four wins. Four of the last eight matches at the ground have ended in a draw.
To Win Match
West Indies 7/2 | Draw 21/10 | South Africa 17/20
The West Indies bowling attack has been reinforced by experienced quick Kemar Roach who has returned to the Test team after missing the England series with fitness issues.
Kraigg Brathwaite has scored 1 194 Test runs at home since 2019 and will need to add to that tally as the skipper in this series.
Kavem Hodge scored a fantastic hundred in the series against England but batting collapses have been a major problem for the hosts.
The West Indies have a poor head-to-head record against South Africa with just three Test wins across the 32 matches between the sides.
South Africa have won 22 of their 32 matches against the West Indies with seven matches ending in draws. They have not lost to the men from the Caribbean since 2007.
The Proteas look likely to favour the use of a fourth seamer over going into the Test with two spinners so Lungi Ngidi should get a place in the XI ahead of Dane Piedt.
Keshav Maharaj will be backed to be the only spinner with all-rounder Wian Mulder providing the fourth seam option behind Ngidi, Nandre Burger and Kagiso Rabada.
Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi are likely to continue their promising opening partnership although this will be a tough series to take on the new ball.
Verdict: South Africa 17/20
A strong record in the West Indies suggests South Africa should be up for this one.
