South Africa vs India, 3rd Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

So, the bandwagon will now move to Cape Town for the 3rd Test. And, the setting is perfect. The series is locked at 1-1, both teams have shown character, and the team that outsmarts the other in this grand finale will get hold of the trophy.

Dean Elgar displayed an enormous amount of mental strength and resilience and played one of the best innings of his Test career at Johannesburg. The Proteas were chasing a target of 240, and Elgar led from the front with the willow and scored a fighting 96* as the hosts coasted past the finish line with 7 wickets in their kitty.

Keegan Petersen has also looked good in the Test series so far and will look to continue with his good work with the bat in the final rubber as well. The South African pace bowling department also looks in excellent shape. Kagiso Rabada has caused problems to the Indian batters, and Marco Jansen has used his extra height to extract bounce off the surface. And, Lungi Ngidi too, has been amongst the wickets for the hosts.

For India, KL Rahul has been in superb form. The right-hander is the leading run-scorer in the series so far and has amassed 204 runs at an average of over 50. And, veteran batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane chipped in with handy half-centuries in the second innings of the 2nd Test match and this might probably extend their stay in the side, at least for the 3rd Test match.

‘Lord’ Shardul Thakur sizzled with the red cherry in hand in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test and grabbed a 7 wicket haul. Mohammed Shami has also been amongst the wickets as well. So, we are all set for a cracking finale between these two sides.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch will have a little bit of help for the seamers early on, but as the game progresses, the batters can surely cash in if they bide time. Also, 4 out of the last 5 Test matches on this ground have been won by the side batting first.

Playing Combinations for SA vs IND

South Africa

The Proteas will go with an unchanged playing XI for this match.

Predicted XI: Dean Elgar (C), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi

India

For India, skipper Virat Kohli will make a return to the side, which means that Hanuma Vihari will face the axe. Also, Mohammed Siraj has been ruled out of the match, and one out of Umesh Yadav or Ishant Sharma will find a spot in the playing XI.

Predicted XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravi Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma/Umesh Yadav

South Africa vs India Head-to-Head

Overall

Total- 41 | South Africa- 16 | India- 15 | Draw- 10

In South Africa

Total- 22 | South Africa- 11 | India- 4 | Draw – 7

SA vs IND Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 02:00 PM IST

TV – Star Sports Network

Live Streaming – Disney+Hotstar