Team India and South Africa to receive a 21-gun salute at SuperSport Park

The Indian team might not have started their South Africa tour on the right note. But for the first time ever, the Indian colts are set to receive their highest honour as the National Defence Force will give a 21-gun salute before the second Test kicks off at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.

Unlike in India, cricket in the rainbow nation is not exactly a religion. In fact, rugby and football have a lot more fan following in the country. But in a first for cricket, the South Africa National Defence Force will be entertaining the fans at the SuperSport Park in Centurion with a performance from its troops.

After this, there will be a 21-gun salute from the G5, following which the army and navy officials will once again be marched out by the band. It is indeed a big moment for the gentleman’s game in the country because such an honour has been given only to the rugby team and that too long back.

The Army and Navy could be seen practicing at the stadium ahead of the game on Saturday. Speaking to CricketNext, one of the army officials said that, “Not that I can remember any cricket match having the army and navy match in and perform their skills. Clearly, cricket is gaining in popularity and that is a good sign. Kids should be encouraged to play all sorts of sports and this bears testimony to that.”

You can see the video below

Army and Navy practice at the SuperSport Park as they will perform ahead of the game on Saturday | Reports @bbhose from Cape Townhttps://t.co/flIeV6fFmH#SAvInd #IndvSA #FreedomSeries pic.twitter.com/8Zq9rQy0ry

— cricketnext (@cricketnext) January 11, 2018

The team selection will be a tricky one

The Indian team evidently suffered a demoralizing defeat in the first Test. Demoralizing since, despite an easy target and a good batting depth in the middle, India’s big guns failed to deliver.

Although Jasprit Bumrah, who was handed over his maiden Test debut justified his selection, Rohit Sharma’s selection over Rahane has certainly drawn questions. Given, Rahane has been in a poor patch of form, but the right-hander has proved himself time and again in overseas conditions. Thus it will be a trick team selection for the Indian management ahead of the deciding second Test.