South Africa leads the series 1-0, but even so, there is something of a cloud over Test cricket in the country after a severely weakened squad was named to tour New Zealand.
A just about full-strength Proteas team takes on an India side that is likewise close to its best. With the chance of a historic series win gone India will have to guard against letting themselves down again.
The New Year’s Test returns to Newlands in full force and there will nn doubt be an incredible atmosphere in the stadium from early on. India have never won a Test match at the ground. The weather looks set fair for the whole Test, if a bit on the hot side.
To Win Match
South Africa 12/10 | Draw 9/2 | India 13/10
Dean Elgar will skipper the Proteas in his final Test after Temba Bavuma was ruled out through injury.
Bavuma is replaced in the squad by Zubayr Hamza who will likely also come into the playing XI.
Gerald Coetzee has also been ruled out injured with Wian Mulder looking like the likely replacement.
Marco Jansen and Nandre Burger’s star turns make the injury blows easier to swallow for the Proteas who also have Kagiso Rabada breathing fire.
Questions are being asked about the mentality of this all-star India team and why they can’t come through when it matters.
Some pin the blame on Virat Kohli and how he approaches the game even though he is no longer the skipper of this team.
Kohli is still the player most likely to lead this India team to victory with his aggressive approach to the game.
The tourists also need to be a bit more ruthless with the ball in hand to avoid letting the hosts off the hook.
Verdict: South Africa 12/10
The hosts should be able to continue their fine form at Newlands and win the series.
