A rivalry that began with high intensity in 1992 has become one-sided, with South Africa winning 22 of 32 Tests against West Indies and losing just three. They’ve never lost a Test series to West Indies and last lost a match to them 17 years ago. However, this South African team isn’t the same dominant force from the mid-2000s. With an inexperienced squad, the West Indies are hopeful for a strong performance in the upcoming series.
South Africa recently lost a Test series to New Zealand, revealing some fragility. They’ve focused their resources on formats that generate revenue, while West Indies continue to invest in their costly domestic system.
West Indies recently beat Australia in a Test for the first time in over 20 years but haven’t won a series against a World Test Championship (WTC) team since 2022. Both teams are in a rebuilding phase, with emerging talents and key players like Kavem Hodge for West Indies and David Bedingham for South Africa.
Team News:
- West Indies: Include a twin-spin attack with Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie. Alzarri Joseph is rested; Kemar Roach returns.
- South Africa: Opt for a lone spinner, Keshav Maharaj, with an extra batter, Ryan Rickelton, in the squad.
West Indies (probable):
- Kraigg Brathwaite (capt)
- Mikyle Louis
- Keacy Carty
- Alick Athanaze
- Kavem Hodge
- Jason Holder
- Joshua Da Silva (wk)
- Gudakesh Motie
- Jayden Seales
- Kemar Roach
- Jomel Warrican
South Africa (probable):
- Aiden Markram
- Tony de Zorzi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Temba Bavuma (capt)
- David Bedingham
- Ryan Rickelton
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Keshav Maharaj
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi