As the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand goes underway, two other teams will lock horns in another continent in another Test match. Having beaten West Indies by an innings at St Lucia, South Africa will now want to claim the series with a win in the second Test match at the same venue.
The South African fast bowlers had turned out to be more than a handful for West Indies. In the same conditions, the West Indies bowlers failed to create similar impact. Free from the burden of captaincy at last, Quinton de Kock played made a dazzling hundred. South Africa have lost four away series on the trot. A win here will turn things around for them.
The conditions are expected to be the same. However, recent wet weather will have some impact on the pitch. Rain is also predicted for all five days of the game.
Team previews
West Indies are expected to make a few changes. The concussed Nkrumah Bonner has been ruled out. Kieran Powell had replaced him as concussion substitute during the first Test match, and expected to fit in as opener along with captain Kraigg Brathwaite. Shai Hope will return to his comfortable No. 3.
The selectors have also roped in the experienced Darren Bravo. Roston Chase will be a key player for them in the middle order, or as the sole spinner if the management decides to leave out Rahkeem Cornwall.
Shannon Gabriel is expected to make a return to the team and lead the four-man pace attack along with Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Jason Holder.
South Africa delivered a near-perfect performance in the first Test match. If Temba Bavuma recovers, they can strengthen their team further. In that case they will have to drop one of Kyle Verreynne and Keegan Peterson, the two debutants of the last Test match.
Dean Elgar had looked a relaxed captain and was in control of his team. Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and de Kock, and if fit, Bavuma, form a formidable line-up. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi will look to repeat their devastating form, with Keshav Maharaj for spin support.
Key Players
Jason Holder (West Indies): Holder demonstrated his value in the first Test as West Indies’ highest wicket-taker as well as the top scorer in the first innings. West Indies will expect him to provide middle-order solidity as well as bowl long, probing spells.
Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa): Van der Dussen is yet to get a Test match hundred. However, if his 46 in the first Test match is anything to go biy, that maiden century is not too far away.
Likely XIs
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Keegan Peterson, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Prediction
South Africa to continue to dominate the hosts and win the series 2-0.