The Proteas and the Lankan Lions have pulled up their socks to engaged in an ultimate clash as the two powerhouses of world cricket are all set for the first test match. These two teams will lock their horns on December 26, 2016, at the St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth.
Where to watch
Ten Sports network
Timing
1:00 Pm
Toss
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first
South Africa Team Preview
The South African team under the captaincy of Faf Du Plessis has recently thrashed Australia in Australi and won the test series by 2-1. This forced AB De Villiers to step down from the captaincy and hand over the permanent captaincy reins to Du Plessis.
Du Plessis now have the task to face the Sri Lanka team for the test series. The key player for South Africa is Du Plessis, Amal, Duminy, Bavuma and Quinton De Cock with the bat in hand.
The bowling unit of this team will be lead by the Vernon Philander, and he will find the support from the fast bowler’s duo of Kagiso Rababda and Kyle Abbot. Keshav Maharaj who debuted in series against Australia will be the lone spinner in the squad, and he will provide some control to the captain.
An all round game of play is what South Africa will need to beat Sri Lanka.
South Africa Playing XI
Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), Jean-Paul Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Abbott
Sri Lanka Team Preview
Angelo Matthews who missed last test series against Zimbabwe has returned to the team and he will be doing the captaining job. The solid middle order player has returned, and it will solidify the team as the all-rounder abilities of Matthews will be handy for Sri Lanka team.
Also, batting stalwart Dinesh Chandimal has also returned, and this is a solid boost for the Lankans. The other key player for this team is Kusal Mendis, Dhananjay de Silva and Kusal Perera.
The bowling unit of this team will be lead by Lakmal, Pradeep, and young Chameera. Rangana Hearth who captained Sri Lanka in last test series will spin the red cherry for his team.
Sri Lanka will need some solid performance from their individual’s players to beat the team like South Africa.
Sri Lanka Playing XI
Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera
Prediction
South Africa is favorite to win this match.
