FANTASY
Follow UsWest Indies played their first Test in South Africa in eight years, but it ended in a loss for them at Centurion. They were in the hunt for a win, but, their top order, apart from Jermaine Blackwood, couldn’t contribute to the cause. In fact, none of the other batters crossed the 20-run mark when Blackwood alone scored 79. Chasing 247, they fell short by 87 runs.
Despite the win, South Africa will be disappointed with their batting performance. In the first innings, Aiden Markram scored 115, and Dean Elgar scored 71. Apart from these two, none of the other batters crossed the 30-run mark. In the second, it was even worse. Markram struck a 58-ball 47, and the remaining top seven, couldn’t even register a double-digit score.
This Test will be the last for both teams in this WTC cycle (2021-23).
Ground details
The Wanderers is another venue where batting isn’t going to be easy, so is the case in almost all venues in South Africa. In any case, compared to few other venues, it is slightly better.
In Tests since 2018, batting teams have averaged 26.4 in six Tests. In this period, only at St George's Park, the batting average is better (27.2). But, there is a twist. In the first two innings of the match, batting teams have scored at an average of 25.1, the lowest among all venues. Whereas, while batting in the third and fourth innings, the average is better (28), the best among all. In all the six matches played here since 2018, all have chosen to bat first and have won four.
93.5 percent of the wickets have been bagged by the pacers. In Tests since 2018, In venues where pacers have bowled in 10+ innings, in no other venue has pacers bagged more wickets than Johannesburg. They have bowled 89.1 percent of the overs, which is also the most.
Suggested team
While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captaincy Suggestion
For small league: Kagiso Rabada (capt), Aiden Markram (vice-capt)
For grand league: Alzarri Joseph (capt), Dean Elgar (vice-capt)
Stats that matter
- In Tests since 2022, their pacers have picked up 152 wickets at a strike rate of 43.2 and an average of 25.4. Among all the teams, their strike rate is the best. In this period, among pacers who have bowled 100+ overs, Rabada has scalped a wicket every 35 balls, the best, Nortje has a wicket every 38 balls, the second best and Jansen’s balls/wicket ratio of 40.5 is the fourth-best.
-In Tests at the Wanderers, Kagiso Rabada has picked up 30 wickets at an average of 21.1 and a strike rate of 36.9.
-In Tests since 2014, the Wanderers has hosted eight Tests and in all, there has been a result. Interestingly, in all those eight matches, teams have chosen to bat first.
Grand league punts
-From his debut till 2021, Joseph had 40 wickets at an average of 39.95 and a strike rate of 70.4. However, since 2022, he has bettered those numbers. In 20 innings, the lanky fast bowler has picked up 39 wickets at an average of 27.9 and an improved strike rate of 47.5. In the first Test, he bagged his first five-wicket haul as well.
-Dean Elgar loves playing at the Wanderers. In nine Tests at the Wanderers, Elgar has scored 647 runs at an average of 49.8. At a venue where he has played three or more Tests, he averages the best at the Wanderers.
Here are the top 10 criclytics projection
Probable XI
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickleton, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Cotzee
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel
