Overview
- India vs South Africa begins November 14 at Eden Gardens, which hosts its first Test in six years before Guwahati’s debut on November 22.
- The pitch is expected to aid seamers for the first two days before bringing spinners into play from around day three, with reverse swing also possible.
- India are deliberating balance in the XI with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj set to start and four spin options vying for roles, while local seamer Akash Deep is in contention.
- South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, have embraced spin with Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy and could pick three slow bowlers as suggested by Ryan ten Doeschate.
- Forecasts indicate clear weather with no rain threat and temperatures ranging from about 18°C in the mornings to 30°C in the afternoons with 60–70% humidity.