Fri Nov 14 04:50:00 UTC 2025: India and South Africa Clash in First Test, South Africa Opts to Bat

Kolkata, India – The first Test match between India and South Africa began today in Kolkata, marking the start of a crucial two-match series for the World Test Championship (WTC). South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first.

The South African team, led by Temba Bavuma, aims to break their long-standing losing streak in India, where they have lost 6 of their last 7 Tests. Bavuma won the toss and announced Corbin Bosch would replace the injured Kagiso Rabada.

India, captained by Shubman Gill, welcomes the return of Rishabh Pant and includes Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batsman.

Day 1 Updates:

  • South Africa’s score after 37 overs stands at 130/5.
  • Jasprit Bumrah claimed 3 wickets, including dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 24 via LBW.
  • Kuldeep Yadav bowled Vian Mulder for 24
  • At Lunch, South Africa were 105/3 after 27 overs. Bumrah and Yadav took a wicket each.
  • Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Temba Bavuma.
  • Jasprit Bumrah got the wicket of opener Aiden Markram.
  • Jasprit Bumrah picked up the first wicket, bowling Ryan Rickelton.

Key Players:

  • South Africa: Pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, along with spinner Keshav Maharaj.
  • India: All eyes are on Ravindra Jadeja, who is just 10 runs short of 4000 runs and 12 wickets away from 350 test wickets.

Team News:

  • India: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
  • South Africa: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj

Milestone Watch: Ravindra Jadeja needs 10 more runs to complete 4,000 Test runs and 12 wickets to reach 350 Test wickets.

The series is a significant opportunity for both teams to strengthen their position in the WTC standings.

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