A 94-run partnership between Muthusamy, who cracked his maiden Test ton and Jansen, who scored his fourth Test fifty, has given wings to Proteas' dream of a Test series win in India after 25 years, as the reigning World Test Champions crossed the 400-run mark at the end of the second session
After featuring in five Tests as India's number three and delivering mixed outings, India has gone with Washington Sundar as the number three on their team sheet for the Kolkata Test. After moving on from Cheteshwar Pujara following the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final loss to Aust
This is India's first Test at Eden Gardens since 2019. They are taking on a highly-motivated ICC World Test Champions South Africa, who are coming after a 1-1 draw against Pakistan at home recently, while India's previous Test outing was a 2-0 win over West Indies at home.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma shares a different perspective from his head coach, Shukri Conrad, regarding a potential victory in the upcoming two Tests in India being on par with their ICC World Test Championship triumph at the 'Home of Cricket', Lord's, in June this year.
Team India captain Shubman Gill highlighted the importance of the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, for their WTC final ambitions. He acknowledged South Africa as strong opponent but expressed confidence in India's ability to handle challenging moments.
Former India captain Jhulan Goswami hailed the national team's ICC Women's World Cup 2025 victory as a "historic moment," saying the triumph would inspire generations and mark a new chapter for women's cricket in the country.
South Africa, the World Test champions, will engage in an enticing battle with India on Friday, as Test cricket returns to Eden Gardens after six years.
The first Test between India and South Africa will take place from Friday onwards at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After a home series win against West Indies and a draw against England at their backyard by 2-2, India will be aiming to continue what has been a very promising run in the ICC World
South Africa's head coach, Shukri Conrad, has described the upcoming two Tests in India as the "biggest challenge", ranking the series alongside the World Test Championship final against Australia.
Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel's inclusion in the upcoming Test, citing his consistent form and recent centuries in domestic cricket.
Australia suffered a setback ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) opener as all-rounder Sean Abbott was ruled out of the Perth Test due to a hamstring injury, while pacer Josh Hazlewood has been cleared of any major damage after precautionary scans revealed no muscle strain.