Following the conclusion of the limited-overs fixtures earlier in the tour, where the T20I series was drawn 1-1 and India won the ODI series 2-1, India are set to display their red-ball nous in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
The first Test is set to be a Boxing Day Test, which will be played at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, from December 26 onwards.
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India, in eight Test series attempts in South Africa, have lost seven Test series and drawn one. They will be keen to ensure that they break the jinx of losing on South African soil and justify their tag of the top-ranked Test team.
MORE: What is India's Test record in South Africa?
Centurion weather forecast for South Africa vs India, 1st Test
Wednesday, 27th December 2023
The average temperature during the day is going to be 20°C, according to the weather forecast by AccuWeather, with it being fairly cloudy throughout the day. Humidity levels are also expected to be high, ranging around 84%.
Let's take a look at the hourly temperatures and probability of rainfall in Centurion on Day 2 (all times are in local time).
- 9 AM: 16°C (44% chance of rain)
- 10 AM: 17°C (48% chance of rain)
- 11 AM: 18°C (52% chance of rain)
- 12 PM: 18°C (43% chance of rain)
- 1 PM: 18°C (51% chance of rain)
- 2 PM: 18°C (51% chance of rain)
- 3 PM: 19°C (43% chance of rain)
- 4 PM: 19°C (51% chance of rain)
- 5 PM: 20°C (47% chance of rain)
- 6 PM: 19°C (44% chance of rain)
Chances of rain interrupting play on Day 2:
According to AccuWeather, the chances of rain playing spoilsport on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test stand at 84%, with the probability of thunderstorms standing at 44%.
14.2 mm of both rain and precipitation is expected, with 99% cloud cover.
Weather forecasts for Day 2 to Day 5:
- Day 2, 27th December 2023: 19°C (84% chance of rain)
- Day 3, 28th December 2023: 26°C (2% chance of rain)
- Day 4, 29th December 2023: 26°C (40% chance of rain)
- Day 5, 30th December 2023: 25°C (63% chance of rain)
Weather forecast in Centurion: What happens if South Africa vs India is stopped by rain?
If rain stops/prevents play from beginning on Day 1, then the umpires and players will have to wait for the skies to clear and for the conditions to be ideal for playing cricket. If the rain persists until the end of the stipulated time for Day 1, then Stumps will be called and action will resume on Day 2.
What time does South Africa vs India 1st Test start?
The first Test match between South Africa and India will begin at 1:30 PM IST.
How to watch the 1st Test between South Africa and India?
Star Sports Network will be broadcasting the two-match Test series between South Africa and India. The Boxing Day Test can also be live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
| Country | TV CHANNEL | LIVESTREAM |
| India | Star Sports TV channels | Disney+ Hotstar |
South Africa vs India, 1st Test: Latest betting odds, predictions
According to Dafabet odds, India are favourites to win the 1st Test match in Centurion.
| Result | Betting odds |
|---|---|
| South Africa win | 3.35 |
| India win | 2.60 |
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