India vs South Africa 1st Test Match - Live Cricket Score, Full Scorecard

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, SIX! Excellent use of the feet!

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Slower through the air, full and on off. Tony de Zorzi pushes out in front and plays it a bit uppishly towards the vacant short mid off region.

Ravindra Jadeja to Wiaan Mulder, Spears it in full, on middle. Wiaan Mulder is solid in defence.

Ravindra Jadeja to Wiaan Mulder, At the stumps, on the fuller side. Mulder blocks it off.

Ravindra Jadeja to Tony de Zorzi, Leg bye! Fired in at 92.7 kph, short and down leg, Tony de Zorzi walks inside the line for the tickle but misses. The ball goes off the front pad towards deep fine leg for a leg bye. Half a shout for LBW from Jadeja, but that seemed to have pitched outside the line from around the wicket. Yes, the Ball Tracking later confirms the same.

Ravindra Jadeja to Tony de Zorzi, On a nagging length, around the off stump. Tony taps it to cover.

Ravindra Jadeja to Tony de Zorzi, Pushed through, shorter and on middle. Tony goes deep in the crease and defends it out.

Ravindra Jadeja to Tony de Zorzi, Starts from around the wicket and pushes it across the batter, Tony de Zorzi pushes this full ball to cover.

Spin in tandem. Here's Ravindra Jadeja replacing Mohammed Siraj.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Lands the googly, full and on off. Tony de Zorzi ends up defending outside the line as he presses forward. The ball goes past short leg off an inside edge for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, This kicks up a bit, short and on off, Tony is taken aback as the ball shoots through but manages to fend it down beside the strip on the leg side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Keeps the stumps in play, fractionally short, Tony de Zorzi rocks on the back foot and taps it back on the deck.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, On a nagging length, on off, Tony de Zorzi lunges to smother the spin.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Full and flighted up, on leg, flicked to square leg.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, This drifts away from the right-hander, full and on off. Wiaan Mulder plays for the ball turning into him. Presents a straight bat but the ball goes off the outer half wide of point for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, On a hard length, on off, Wiaan Mulder stands up tall and punches it to deep backward point for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Tony de Zorzi, Drifting onto the pads, Tony clips this full ball down to deep fine leg for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Tony de Zorzi, At 135.5 kph, nip-backer from Siraj, on a short of a length, around the off stump. Tony de Zorzi holds his bat high to make the leave.

Mohammed Siraj to Tony de Zorzi, Goes wide on the crease and serves it on a back of a length, on off. Tony de Zorzi stabs it down on the off side.

Mohammed Siraj to Tony de Zorzi, Around the off pole, full in length, Tony de Zorzi steers it to backward point.

Mohammed Siraj to Tony de Zorzi, Siraj comes from around the wicket and goes very full, wide on off. Tony de Zorzi digs it out on the off side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Fine shot! Kuldeep Yadav errs in length as he dishes out a half-volley, outside off. Wiaan Mulder needs no second invitation as he cracks the drive through covers for a boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Flatter and it is another googly, on middle, Tony de Zorzi flicks it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Risky attempt! Kuldeep Yadav serves a googly and drags the length back, on middle. Tony de Zorzi premeditates and sets up for the paddle. Well, the replays show that the ball kicked up a bit to go over the bat and the glove. It actually came off the right forearm and evaded the despairing dive of KL Rahul from first slip behind the keeper. Given as two leg byes.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Pushed through, full and on off, Tony de Zorzi leans ahead for the block.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Loopy ball, on middle, Tony drives it to mid off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Tony de Zorzi, Short and around off, Tony de Zorzi stays on the back foot and guides it to backward point.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, In the channel on off, on a length, Wiaan Mulder gets on the front foot and pats it to cover.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, A bit fuller this time, at the stumps, Wiaan defends it watchfully.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, Honing in on the off stump, on a good length, Wiaan covers the line and solidly blocks it out.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, A yorker, at the toes. Mulder hurriedly gets his bat down and squeezes it out to mid-wicket.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Gorgeous stroke! A bit too full from Siraj, on off. Wiaan Mulder presses on the front foot and angles the bat face to thread the drive between cover and mid off for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, On a back of a length, on off, Wiaan Mulder stays back to tap it back on the deck.

Tony de Zorzi is in at number 5.

Kuldeep Yadav to Temba Bavuma, OUT! CAUGHT! A sharp grab from Dhruv Jurel and this is good captaincy to have a backward short leg in place. Tossed up from over the wicket, full and on middle. Temba Bavuma is not quite onto the pitch of the ball and fails to smother the spin. Defends it with hard hands and the ball drops on him before spinning a bit to catch the inside edge. It goes low to backward short leg, where Jurel stays low to snaffle it around his knee. From being 57/0, South Africa are now 71/3.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, Very full, on off, knocked down to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, Serves the googly, full and at the sticks, Wiaan Mulder charges down the track and eases the drive to mid off.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, Floated up, on off, Wiaan gets forward to defend.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, Flatter and fractionally short, on middle. Mulder goes deep in the crease to keep it out.

Kuldeep Yadav to Temba Bavuma, Flighted delivery, full and on off, Temba Bavuma looks to block but the away drift results in the ball catching the outer half. It dribbles wide of point for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller in length, in and around the off pole. Wiaan Mulder leans ahead to block it with a straight bat but the ball rolls off the inner half to square leg.

Mohammed Siraj to Temba Bavuma, This nips back in a bit, on a short of a length, on middle. Temba Bavuma hangs back to deal with it and hurriedly drops his bat down on the ball. It squirts off an inside edge to deep fine leg for one.

Mohammed Siraj to Wiaan Mulder, Attacking the stumps, on a length, Wiaan Mulder keeps his bat close to the front pad and nudges it to the right of mid-wicket for a quick single.

Mohammed Siraj to Temba Bavuma, So nearly sneaked through! Full and angling back into the right-hander, on off and middle. Temba Bavuma reaches out in front for the drive. Gets an inside edge that goes down to deep backward square leg for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Temba Bavuma, At 132.6 kph, on a back of a length, on top of off. Temba stays back to stab it down. Siraj is still not charging in at full tilt.

Mohammed Siraj to Temba Bavuma, Bashes the hard length, over off. Temba Bavuma gets behind the line, holds his bat high and taps the ball back on the deck.

DRINKS BREAK! It has been an eventful start to the game. South Africa raced away to a strong start, but courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah, India have managed to fight back. The surface misbehaved in terms of bounce in the first over, and just when it seemed to be settling, Bumrah got one to shoot through to remove Markram. This variable bounce will be something to keep an eye on as we move ahead. Apart from Bumrah, the others have not quite been at their best but will look to step up and exert some control. As for South Africa, it is about staying positive against the spinners, avoiding going into a shell, and putting the pressure back on them. A change in bowling after the hydration break as Mohammed Siraj is back into the attack. He wasn't on song in his first spell as he went for 25 runs in the first 3 overs he bowled. He replaces Jasprit Bumrah.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, Tossed up, full and on off, Wiaan Mulder leans on to defend.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, A googly on a dragged length, on the leg stump. Wiaan Mulder hangs deep in the crease and taps it gently to the off side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, On middle, on a length, at 84.1 kph. Wiaan Mulder rocks back and blocks it on the pitch.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Oh, adventurous! Kuldeep lands it full and on middle, Wiaan Mulder employs the reverse sweep and gets it over backward point for a boundary.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, A bit too full and on middle, Wiaan Mulder defends it out.

Kuldeep Yadav to Wiaan Mulder, Full and tossed up on middle, Wiaan Mulder flicks it to mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav is brought into the attack now. He replaces Axar Patel.

Jasprit Bumrah to Temba Bavuma, A huge, confident appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. Height probably? That's what the Indian players are heard discussing on the stump mic and they do not challenge the on-field decision. Bumrah spears it on a good length and gets it to nip back in, keeping the line of attack on the middle stump. Temba Bavuma misses to play with the angle as the ball beats the inside edge and he gets rapped on the back thigh pad. The Ball Tracking later shows that it indeed would have gone over the stumps.

Jasprit Bumrah to Temba Bavuma, On a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and taps it to the cover-point region.

Jasprit Bumrah to Temba Bavuma, PEACH! Jags back in from outside off, on a hard length. Temba Bavuma withdraws his bat in time and makes the leave.

Jasprit Bumrah to Temba Bavuma, On a back of a length, on off, nipping back into the batter. Temba Bavuma blocks off the inside edge of the bat to the mid-wicket region.

Jasprit Bumrah to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma offers no shot at it.

South Africa's skipper, Temba Bavuma comes out to the middle. The crowd has come to life with wickets off successive overs from Jasprit Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Number 2 for Bumrah. He bashes the length hard and extracts a good bit of lift off the deck, outside off. Aiden Markram is caught off guard and hangs his bat away from his body and does not drop his wrists down in time. The ball brushes the gloves before lobbing off the shoulder of the bat. It dips on its way to Rishabh Pant, but he dives to his right and gathers it safely. Aiden Markram departs on 31 (48) and South Africa have now lost both their openers as they are 62/2.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, This one skids through the surface and stays low. A touch fuller around off. Aiden Markram tries to punch it to the off side, but the ball slides in and goes off the inside edge to the backward square leg region for a single.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Full on off, Aiden Markram dead bats it.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Arm ball, at 91.7 kph, with some turn and bounce on it, around off. Aiden Markram gets a bit perplexed and gets beaten on the outside edge as he tries to punch it off the back foot.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Slower through the air, at 87.1 kph, outside off. Aiden Markram cuts this length ball to backward point.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Cracked away! A bit too full from Patel on this occasion, outside off. Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and smashes it past the diving Yashasvi Jaiswal at cover to his right for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Nicely tossed up, full and on off, Aiden Markram defends it off the front foot.

Jasprit Bumrah to Wiaan Mulder, Fractionally full, just outside off, Wiaan Mulder leaves and watches it carry all the way through to the keeper.

Jasprit Bumrah to Wiaan Mulder, On a good length, outside off, Wiaan Mulder dabs it to backward point.

Jasprit Bumrah to Wiaan Mulder, Full and around off, Wiaan Mulder taps it to the off side.

Wiaan Mulder is in at number 3. Two slips and a gully for the new batter.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! BOWLED! Jasprit Bumrah provides the first breakthrough for the hosts with a seed of a delivery! He goes full and attacks the stumps from around the wicket. It lands and just straightens up a bit from the deck. Ryan Rickelton plays inside the line to defend it out and misses. The ball flirts past the outside edge and crashes into the timber behind. Ryan Rickelton was timing the ball really well but gets dismissed after a very positive start. 23 (22) for him and South Africa are 57/1.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, On a back of a length, on the stumps, Ryan blocks it straight back watchfully.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, On a nagging length, on middle, Ryan Rickelton nudges it to the square leg region off the back foot.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Around off and full, Markram presents a solid front foot block.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Fuller ball, on middle, Aiden Markram leans on and defends it.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, SIX! What a shot! A bit full in length, on the stumps. Aiden Markram dances down the track and lofts it up and over wide long on for a six. Just a classy flick of the wrists with the bottom hand coming into play.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Nice and full, on middle, blocked off the front foot.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, FOUR BYES! A bit too straight from Patel, full and sliding down leg. Aiden Markram misses to flick and the keeper, Rishabh Pant, does get a bit of glove on it, but fails to gather it cleanly and the ball races to the fence behind. 50 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA!

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Drifting into the batter, on a length, Aiden Markram rocks back and taps it across to the leg side.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, EDGED, FOUR! Bumrah lands this on a fuller length, outside the off stump. It nips away off the track as Ryan Rickelton pushes hard at it on the front foot. Gets a thick outside edge and the ball shoots to the right of the gully fielder for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Just tapping around in the gaps, are these two! On a length, angling into the batter. Aiden Markram flicks it off the back foot between mid on and mid-wicket for a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, On a short of a good length, just outside off, Markram punches it between cover and backward point. The man from the latter position gets to the ball and the batters take two.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Good length, on middle, Aiden Markram knocks it back to Bumrah off the back foot.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, On a good length, around off, left alone by Markram.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Excellent stop! Hard length, around off, Markram gets on the back foot and punches it to the left of cover. Washington Sundar flings himself in that direction and cuts it off. That was travelling for sure.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Fuller ball, sliding in on middle, Markram flicks it to the widish mid-wicket region for a single.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, MISFIELD, FOUR! Pitched full, on off, Aiden Markram leans on and drives it to the short cover fielder. Yashasvi Jaiswal fails to make a regulation stop as he doesn't bend enough and the ball races away to the fence.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Races away! Not that short from Axar, and this is around off, Aiden Markram lets the ball arrive and plays it very late. Cuts it at the last second by opening the face of the bat and gets it through the backward point and short third gap for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Drags the length back, around middle, Aiden Markram knocks it off the back foot to the cover region, where Yashasvi Jaiswal dives full stretch to his left and stops it.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Full and floated on middle, Aiden Markram presses forward and defends it straight back to the bowler.

Axar Patel to Aiden Markram, Starts with a length ball, does Axar. Around off and Markram punches off the back foot to cover-point.

Mohammed Siraj is back on the park, but it will be spin from the end he started. Axar Patel comes into the attack. He is starting with a slip and a silly point in place.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, A real tempter! Bumrah keeps it slightly outside off, on a good length. It lands and then straightens just enough. Ryan Rickelton hangs his bat away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, on middle, Ryan Rickelton confidently blocks it off the back foot.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, On top of off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton defends it off the back foot to short cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, Comes from around the stumps, does Bumrah. Hits the deck hard, on off, angling in. Ryan Rickelton gets behind the ball and taps it to the off side.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length, around off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Dhruv Jurel is also off the field at the moment. He is seen putting on the shin pads, which could be an indication that spin is about to be introduced in the next over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, Pitched on the leg stump line, on a good length, Ryan Rickelton gets on the front foot and defends it right under his eyes.

Mohammed Siraj has signalled towards the dressing room for the substitute to come on. He is walking off the field. Is it a niggle that is bothering his rhythm?

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Punished! A genuine half volley, outside off, Aiden Markram leans on and drives it crisply through cover-point for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Siraj goes full and on the stumps. Aiden Markram presents a straight bat face, with the head right on the ball. Times it perfectly straight down the ground. Mohammed Siraj bends low to his right to stop it on the follow-through but fails to do so, and the ball races away to the fence.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, Angles it across the batter, on a good length. Ryan Rickelton uses his wrists to cut it to deep point for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, Attacks the stumps, does Siraj. Full in length and Ryan presses forward to block it back to the bowler.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Top shot! Siraj hasn't got his line right so far and has been a bit too generous. He offers width, outside off on a good length. Ryan Rickelton gets the ball at a good height and cuts it in front of square on the off side for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, At 137.7 kph, this is full and on middle. Ryan Rickelton tries to block but the ball squirts off a leading edge to the point region.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Straighter onto the stumps, on a hard length. Aiden Markram gets on the back foot and blocks it confidently.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, just outside off, Aiden knocks it off the back foot to backward point.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Short of a good length, on middle, Aiden Markram middles it perfectly, and flicks it to bisect the gap, but Washington Sundar at mid-wicket dives to his left and half stops it, parrying the ball to the mid on fielder.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Good length, around off, Aiden Markram blocks it off the back foot to cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, Angling back in from middle, on a good length, Ryan Rickelton flicks it off the back foot. Axar Patel at short mid-wicket gets low to his right, but fumbles and parries the ball to the deep, allowing a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, In front of the sticks, full in length. Ryan Rickelton presses forward to defend it straight.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, Shapes back in from a good length, on middle, Aiden Markram misses to whip it and is rapped high on the thigh pad.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, Very close leave! A lot fuller, in the corridor of uncertainty, nipping in a touch. Aiden Markram is caught in two minds whether to play or leave, but decides to do the latter. However, the ball passes alarmingly close to the off pole on its way to the keeper.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, Excellent running! Hoops into the batter, on a fuller length, around the middle and leg stump line. Ryan Rickelton flicks it between mid on and mid-wicket. The ball slows down on its way to the ropes and is chased by Axar Patel from the inner ring. But by that time, the batters cross each other thrice.

Chris Gaffaney walks up to check the danger area and has a quiet word with Mohammed Siraj, asking him to be careful on his follow-through.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, On a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton gets on the back foot and taps it to the point region with soft hands.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Timing! Touch fuller than the previous delivery, on off, Ryan Rickelton plays it on the up with the bat and pad close to each other. He drives it straight down the ground, beating mid off to his left for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Classic square cut! Width offered by Siraj, outside off, on a length. Ryan Rickelton weighs on the back foot and cuts it through backward point for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Full and outside off, cutting back into the batter, staying low again. Markram leaves it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Nip-backer, skidding through the surface, around off. This doesn't bounce as much as Markram anticipated and he brings his bat down quickly to block it off.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, at 138.8 kph, outside off, Markram leaves.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, At 136.3 kph, this one jags back in sharply from outside off, with some extra bounce as well. Aiden Markram is rushed on the back foot and blocks it off an inside edge to the leg side.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Nips back into the batter, still slightly outside off, on a length. Aiden Markram closely watches it and leaves it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Ryan Rickelton, On a hard length, angling across the batter. Ryan Rickelton waits back and punches it between short extra cover and point for a quick single.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, On a back of a length, outside off, Aiden Markram taps it off the back foot to backward point.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, Slants it way down leg, on a good length. Markram shapes to flick, but decides to leave it alone as it jags further down leg. Pant collects the ball to his left.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, Fractionally full, moving away late, outside off, Aiden gets on the front foot before letting it pass.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, Stump-to-stump, a hint of outswing from middle, on a good length. Aiden Markram solidly blocks it off the back foot.

Mohammed Siraj to Aiden Markram, A gentle away shape from a good length, outside off, Markram closely watches it and leaves.

Mohammed Siraj to Ryan Rickelton, First runs off the bat! Siraj bashes the length hard, on the leg stump line. Ryan Rickelton steers it to deep backward square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammed Siraj will steam in from the other end. He is coming over the wicket to the left-hander with three slips and a gully in place.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, On top of middle, angling into the batter. Aiden Markram gets behind the line, lets it arrive and blocks it solidly.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Just outside off, on a good length. Aiden Markram pivots on the back foot and dabs it to the off side with soft hands.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Similar line and length, around off, left alone by Markram.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Good bounce this time! Hard length, on top of off, Markram climbs on it and bunts it down the strip.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, FOUR BYES! Well, well, well! Hits the fuller length, nips away, and just doesn't rise, outside off. Aiden Markram lets it pass alone, and the ball shoots low to the right of the keeper. Rishabh Pant dives full-stretch and gets a hand to it, but it is not enough. The ball goes between him and the first slip fielder and races away to the fence.

Jasprit Bumrah to Aiden Markram, Bumrah begins with a hard-length delivery, a bit too straight, going down leg. Aiden Markram misses to flick and Rishabh Pant collects it to his left.

The national anthems are done, and we are all set to get going. Shubman Gill and his men are in a huddle near the ropes. As is tradition at this storied venue, one of the greats of Indian cricket, Anil Kumble, rings the bell to signal the start of play. It will be the left-hand, right-hand combination of Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram to open the innings for South Africa. Jasprit Bumrah will kickstart proceedings for the home side. Bumrah to Markram. Three slips and a gully in place. A slight hold-up as an issue with the sight screen gets sorted. Away we go then...

A decent crowd in at the moment, but we are hearing that it is expected to be a sell-out, with more fans likely to make their way in as the day goes on. Before we get underway, the two teams line up for the national anthems. It will be South Africa's national anthem first, followed by that of India.

PITCH REPORT - Dinesh Karthik notes that it is around 21 degrees at the moment, with a maximum of 27 expected later in the day. Shaun Pollock adds that this is not a red-soil wicket, which will come as some relief for South Africa. Shaun further says that the surface looks to be holding together quite well, with enough grass covering to offer movement on Day 1. Karthik points out a lot of dry patches in the centre of the wicket. He expects a little bit of turn later in the match and also anticipates some reverse swing once the ball gets older.

India (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (C), Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj.

The captain of India, Shubman Gill, cheekily says that the only toss he will win is hopefully in the WTC final. Adds that it looks like a good surface and details that historically, there's a bit for the pacers in it. Says that the bunch is very hungry and this Test series is very crucial for them in terms of preparations and gaining momentum. Reckons that there will be some turn as the game goes on. On the team combination, Gill informs that Rishabh Pant comes back in the side in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy when they last played. Axar Patel is also back in the side, he concludes.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma, says the team needs to carry on the momentum from the Pakistan series. Adds that they have prepared as well as they can and it is about turning up for the challenge. Shares that there is real excitement in the group because playing in India is always an eye-opening experience and not every day you get to play in front of a big crowd. States that this is his first Test since the WTC final, and he hopes nothing changes from a performance point of view. Assessing the conditions, he mentions that the surface looks on the drier side with not much grass. Further says that it is a typical Indian wicket where runs on the board in the first innings will be key. He informs that Kagiso Rabada misses out due to a rib injury.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of South Africa, and Temba Bavuma elects to BAT first.

It was a trial by spin for South Africa in Pakistan, but given how producing rank turners against New Zealand last year exposed India’s own frailties against spin, the hosts will be wary of going down that route again. All indications point towards a sporting track with something in it for everyone, with the quicks likely to enjoy some assistance early on before spin gradually comes into play. All in all, it promises to be an enthralling few days of Test cricket, and you will not want to miss a moment of it. Stick around for the toss and team news.

Coming to South Africa, they tour India for a Test series for the first time since 2019, and much has changed since then. Head coach Shukri Conrad has even compared the challenge of facing India in India to the magnitude of their WTC final win earlier this year, showing how highly the visitors rate this contest. Their squad features eight players yet to play a Test in India, but they arrive with confidence after a convincing series-levelling win in Pakistan. The Proteas also welcome back their inspirational captain, Temba Bavuma, returning from a calf injury, who struck a fifty in South Africa A’s monumental chase of 417 last week. That effort came against Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav, which should give them plenty of belief heading into this series.

Starting with India, their last Test assignment at home ended in a 2-0 win over West Indies, but a far tougher challenge awaits against the reigning Test champions. Rishabh Pant returns after fracturing his right foot in July, and during his absence, Dhruv Jurel had taken over as wicketkeeper-batter. Given Jurel’s recent form with consecutive centuries for India A against South Africa A, he is likely to keep his place in the XI and play purely as a batter. Shubman Gill mentioned in the pre-match press conference that India are still weighing up their balance and will decide between an extra all-rounder or an additional spinner, with Kuldeep Yadav’s selection likely hinging on that call. 

Hello, one and all! A new chapter is about to be written in the Freedom Trophy as India and South Africa lock horns in a two-match Test series. The Freedom Trophy has its symbolic value as well, with the trophy named in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, two towering figures who shaped the histories of their respective nations. It all kicks off here in Kolkata at the iconic Eden Gardens, with Test cricket returning to the City of Joy after 2019. The previous Test series between these sides in South Africa ended in a draw, while the one before that, also in South Africa, was won by the Proteas, who remain the current holders of the Freedom Trophy.

... MATCH DAY ...

'Fire meets fire under the Kolkata sky!' The iconic Eden Gardens is all set to host a high-voltage clash as India take on the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, in the first Test of this much-anticipated two-match series. For India, this is more than just another home assignment - it’s a golden chance to climb back into the top two of the World Test Championship standings. For South Africa, it’s about defending their hard-earned crown and proving that their mastery extends beyond home soil. India come into this contest on the back of a dominant 2-0 series win over the West Indies, while the Proteas recently battled out a gritty 1-1 draw against Pakistan in the subcontinent, showing they’re no strangers to these conditions. However, the warning signs are already flashing - the India A side, which included the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav, failed to defend 417 against South Africa A, with only Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza featuring in both sqauds. That result might have planted a small seed of doubt in India’s camp. Still, there are plenty of positives to take in. Dhruv Jurel’s twin hundreds in that game have thrown his name into serious contention, though Rishabh Pant’s return in good touch makes him the frontrunner behind the stumps. At the top, Shubman Gill’s leadership and form will be crucial, alongside the flamboyant Yashasvi Jaiswal, while KL Rahul add class and stability. India’s middle order looks compact with the likes of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, while the spin department featuring Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar remains their biggest weapon at home. The pace attack led by Siraj and Akash Deep provides the necessary bite, but needs more consistency, while Jasprit Bumrah's lethality and experience could make a world of difference in crucial phases. On the other hand, South Africa arrive with confidence and purpose. Temba Bavuma’s return gives them much-needed experience and calmness, while Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and Aiden Markram add youthful flair and aggression. The exciting inclusion of Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis brings a fearless edge to their lineup - both capable of changing the game’s tempo with counter-attacking batting. Their biggest asset, however, is their bowling depth. Kagiso Rabada continues to spearhead the attack with Marco Jansen’s pace and swing, and they will enjoy bowling on this Kolkata wicket as it always has something for the pacers. The spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, who was superb against Pakistan bring variety and control - something that could trouble India as the Test progresses. In terms of balance, the Proteas appear well-rounded, but their biggest challenge will be adapting quickly to the heat, bounce, and slow nature of Indian wickets. They’ll need their batters to counter India’s spinners and avoid collapses that have often haunted them in Asia. The stakes couldn’t be higher - India last hosted South Africa in 2019-20 and inflicted a 3-0 whitewash, but since then, the Proteas have had the upper hand in Test series between the two. With pride, momentum, and crucial WTC points on the line, this game promises a fierce battle of patience, skill, and temperament. Expect Eden Gardens to roar, as two modern heavyweights lock horns in a contest that could set the tone for their red-ball journeys ahead.