After a 3-0 whitewash against England in England, West Indies have a chance to redeem themselves as they prepare to host South Africa for a two-match Test series at home. The first Test of the series will be played at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad starting Wednesday, August 7.
As a result of their forgettable tour of England, West Indies have slipped to the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led side has played seven Tests in the ongoing cycle with one win, five losses and a draw.
Their PCT (Points Percentage System) is 19.04 - the lowest among all the nine participants.
The team from the Caribbean desperately needs to win the series to stay in contention for a place in the summit clash of the event.
On the other hand, South Africa's senior players are back to represent the country after they missed the two-match away tour of New Zealand in February due to their involvement in the second edition of the SA20.
The Proteas are seventh on the table with a solitary win and three losses in the four games that they have played in the ongoing cycle. Their only win came against India in a home series.
South Africa's red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has mentioned that the pitch for the first Test is going to provide plenty of assistance to spinners but surprisingly they have just included a solitary spinner in their playing XI in the form of Keshav Maharaj.
Whereas West Indies have added two left-arm spinners in their attack in the form of Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie.
South Africa's New Look
South Africa's team for the series looks to be in a state of transition, with a number of new faces in the squad. The Proteas have also opted for a more attacking batting line-up, with the inclusion of Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton.
Tristan Stubbs: A Young and Talented Batsman
Tristan Stubbs is a promising young batsman who has already made a name for himself in the shorter formats of the game. Stubbs will be looking to make a mark in the Test arena and prove his worth as a batsman.
Ryan Rickelton: A Strong Batting Option
Ryan Rickelton is another exciting young batsman who has been knocking on the door of the Test team for some time now. Rickelton is a powerful hitter of the ball and is expected to bring much-needed firepower to the South African batting line-up.
West Indies' Return to Form
West Indies will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing tour of England and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. The team has a number of experienced players in their ranks, including Kraigg Brathwaite, Jason Holder, and Kemar Roach.
Key Players
The series is expected to be a close-fought contest, with both teams boasting a number of talented players.
Kraigg Brathwaite: The Captain
Kraigg Brathwaite is the captain of the West Indies team and is a very experienced batsman. Brathwaite is known for his patience and his ability to build a solid innings.
Kemar Roach: A Threat With the Ball
Kemar Roach is one of the most experienced fast bowlers in the world. He is a very accurate bowler and can swing the ball both ways. Roach will be a key player for the West Indies and is likely to lead the attack.
Temba Bavuma: South Africa's Skipper
Temba Bavuma is the captain of the South African team and is a talented batsman. Bavuma is known for his calmness and his ability to score runs under pressure. He will be a key player for the Proteas.
Kagiso Rabada: A Pace Spearhead
Kagiso Rabada is one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. Rabada is a very aggressive bowler and is capable of taking wickets in quick succession. He will be a key player for the Proteas and is likely to be the leader of their pace attack.
The Verdict
The West Indies vs South Africa Test series is expected to be a closely fought contest. Both teams have the potential to win the series. However, the West Indies will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit. The series is sure to be a thrilling and exciting spectacle for cricket fans around the world.
Looking Ahead
After the Test series, the two teams will clash in a three-match T20I series. The series will be a chance for the teams to build momentum for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The series is a chance for West Indies to rediscover their winning ways and show that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the international arena. The series is also a chance for South Africa to prove that they are a team on the rise and a contender for major trophies.
The Battle for Supremacy
The West Indies vs South Africa Test series is a battle for supremacy in the Caribbean. It is a battle between two proud cricketing nations. The series is sure to be a captivating and entertaining spectacle for cricket fans around the world.
