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India vs South Africa 1st Test: India opted to go with Ravichandran Ashwin as the only spinner in their playing XI in the first Test match against South Africa on Tuesday, December 26.

India and South Africa kick off the two-match Test series with the start of action in the first match at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Ravindra Jadeja made way for Ashwin in the side as he was unavailable for selection due to an injury concern.

Talking about the toss, it was delayed due to a wet outfield before South Africa opted to bowl first in the overcast conditions with both teams including debutants in their team.

Rohit clarified the unavailability of Jadeja before BCCI updated that the star all-rounder had complained of upper back spasms on the morning of the match.

"Mr Ravindra Jadeja complained of upper back spasms on the morning of the match. He was not available for selection for the first #SAvIND Test," BCCI posted on X.

The visitors rope in Prasidh Krishna as their fourth seamer who is making his Test debut as Mohammed Shami was ruled out of the series.

"Every time 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. 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," Rohit Sharma said at the toss.

 

Playing XIs:

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

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

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