Young Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna is set to make his debut for the national team in the first Test of the two-match series against South Africa. The maiden Test cap was awarded to Prasidh Krishna ahead of the opening match scheduled to take place in Centurion on Tuesday, December 26.
Prasidh Krishna Receives Debut Test Cap From Jasprit Bumrah
Prasidh Krishna was handed his debut cap by vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah just before the toss. The right-arm pacer had previously showcased his skills as part of India’s A team in South Africa, delivering an impressive performance with a spell of 5/43. Notably, he achieved a hat-trick while dismissing the opposition’s tail.
With 49 wickets in 11 first-class games for Karnataka, the 27-year-old pacer, Prasidh Krishna, is set to make an impact in the upcoming Test matches against South Africa.
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Prasidh Krishna makes his Test debut.
A look at #TeamIndia‘s Playing XI 🔽
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𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Mr Ravindra Jadeja complained of upper back spasms on the morning of the match. He was not available for selection for the… pic.twitter.com/r7Tch9hueo
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 26, 2023
It’s noteworthy that the Indian team has never secured a red-ball series victory in the Rainbow Nation, adding extra significance to the upcoming matches.
Coming to the toss, South Africa won the coin flip and elected to bowl first. The toss was delayed due to a wet outfield caused by overnight rain in Centurion.
Speaking at the toss, India skipper Rohit Sharma said: “Wasn’t too sure (on batting or bowling). We are quite aware of the conditions, we have been here a few times. We need to put runs on the board and the bowlers will do the job for us. We do understand the challenge of batting first with the overhead conditions and the grass, but the guys are up for the challenge. Everytime we come here, we come with high hopes. We’ve come close in the last 2 tours. We are pretty confident with our squad and the make-up of our squad.”
Regarding India’s team composition, Rohit Sharma revealed that they have opted for a lineup featuring four pacers and the premier spinner, R Ashwin.
“We are playing with four seamers and a spinner. Ashwin is playing in place of Jadeja. Jaddu had a bit of a back spasm, so Ashwin comes in and he is a quality spinner to have. Prasidh is making his debut, along with the other pacers Shardul, Siraj and Bumrah,”
Playing XI For 1st Test Match
India – Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa – Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger
