IND vs SA 1st Test Weather Forecast: Rain Threat Looms Over Centurion Test

Although the weather interfered with the initial T20 contest during India's tour to South Africa, a look ahead at the forecast for the first Test might offer insights into what to expect.

IND vs SA 1st Test: A look ahead at the weather forecast for IND vs SA 1st Test.

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The Indian cricket team, fresh off their historic ODI series win in South Africa, prepare for a crucial two-match Test series against the hosts. The series begins with a Boxing Day Test in Centurion on December 26 at SuperSport Park, followed by the second Test at Newlands starting on January 3. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India aim to secure their inaugural Test series victory in South Africa, reinforcing their standing as the leading team in the World Test Championship 2023-25 Points table.

Although the weather interfered with the initial T20 contest during India's tour to South Africa, a look ahead at the forecast for the first Test might offer insights into what to expect.

Weather Forecast for IND vs SA 1st Test: Courtesy: Accuweather 

Day 1 – The opening day at SuperSport Park in Centurion is anticipated to be impacted by persistent rain, with a high likelihood of thunderstorms, reaching temperatures between 23-27 degrees Celsius.

Day 2 – Day 2 of the Test should witness clearer skies with some cloud cover, presenting a lower chance of rain at 25%.

Day 3 – The initial session might experience light showers, holding a 41% chance of precipitation. However, the latter sessions are expected to proceed uninterrupted.

Days 4 & 5 – Rain is forecasted to potentially disrupt play on both these days, with a 60% chance of precipitation and temperatures hovering around 27 degrees Celsius.

Mohammed Shami and Ruturaj Gaikwad's injuries have led to their exclusion from the squad set for the two matches, alongside Ishan Kishan's withdrawal due to personal reasons. As a backup wicketkeeper for KL Rahul, KS Bharat has been brought in. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as the replacement for Gaikwad. 

India’s updated Test Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk).