West Indies vs. South Africa 2021 : THE YOUNG TALENTS || 1st Test
West Indies vs. South Africa 2021
1st Test – Thu, 10th June
THE YOUNG TALENTS:
West Indies:
West Indies will embark on an exhilarating season of cricket, beginning off with a much-awaited Test series against South Africa. The Windies have relished some achievement in the longest format of late, with a series victory over Bangladesh earlier in the year.
Kraigg Brathwaite has led the team splendidly over the last few months, with the addition of Nkrumah Bonner and Kyle Mayers adding some much-required solidity to the team. With the likes of Jason Holder and Kemar Roach joining forces in the bowling line-up, the Windies will lavish a series victory against South Africa.
Possible playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua da Silva (wk), Kemar Roach, Kieran Powell, Darren Bravo, Shannon Gabriel, Rakheem Cornwall.
South Africa:
South Africa, in the meantime, are in a reconstruction phase, with Dean Elgar taking over the captainship. With youngsters such as Wiaan Mulder and Aiden Markram eager to make their mark, South Africa look well-outfitted for the Caribbean test.
Like their rivals, South Africa also have a formidable bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada. It covers the way for a mouth-watering game of Test cricket between the two teams.
Possible playing XI: Dean Elgar (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder/George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada.
The venue, Pitch Report, and Toss Prediction:
A cutthroat battle between bat and ball is anticipated in St Lucia. The bowlers will enjoy the conditions with sufficient movement available off the wicket. The surface is marginally on the slower side, bringing the spin bowlers into play in the latter part of the Test.
The weather prediction for the week is all clear, with a few clouds likely to hover around early during each day. Both sides will look to bowl first upon winning the toss and make great use of the bowling-friendly circumstances on offer.
Tops Value:
Both sides look well composed on paper, with some upcoming abilities on both teams. But home benefit should give the West Indies the advantage in this game. South Africa is the group to back in our belief. While it has some question marks over its batting roster, the bowling line-up is brilliant and very adept of running through the West Indies.
South Africa, thus, begin as the slight favourites with the pre-match odds of 2.25, whereas the home team West Indies is not very far at 2.45. The draw is placed at the odds of 5.25 but is unlikely to happen.
