The first of two test matches between West Indies and South Africa gets under way at Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad on Wednesday and we take a look at the squads, the form and the all important betting.
This is a 2 match series with the second test taking place in Guyana next week and after that the tour wraps up with 3 T20's.
Let's start with the team news.
West Indies squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Joshua Da Silva (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Bryan Charles, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Migael Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne
Recent Form
West Indies:
West Indies have just returned from a 3 match test series in England. They lost all 3 games by wide margins, the first by an innings and 114 runs, the second by 241 runs and the third by 10 wickets.
In January this year they sprang a surprise in a 2 match series in Australia. Despite losing the first test by 10 wickets they squared the series with an 8 run win in the second contest.
West Indies' last test match action on home soil came in July 2023 and they went down 1-0 in a 2 match series against India
South Africa
South Africa took an understrength squad to New Zealand in February this year and they lost both test matches by margins of 281 runs and then 7 wickets.
A 2 match home series against India over the turn of the year was shared 1-1.
Recent Head to Head
South Africa completed a 2-0 home win against West Indies in Feb / March 2023 where the Proteas won the first match by 87 runs and the second and final test by 284 runs
The Proteas were in the Caribbean in June 2021 and they won both tests by margins of an innings and 63 runs and then 158 runs
Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
The most recent test at this venue came against India in July 2023 and it ended in a draw. India posted 438 batting first, WI replied with 255 (Branthwaite 75), India declared their second innings on 181/2 and WI were 76/2 when the match finished.
You can check the weather forecast here
The Betting - 1st Test Match
At the time of writing West Indies are 3.25/1 to win the match with the draw at 2.15/1 and South Africa can be backed at around 19/20 with Boyle Sports
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict
Having not followed the longer format too frequently there are a number of players in the West Indies squad which are unknown quantities to me and whilst the Proteas look the right favourites I would rather turn to the exotics for a bet.
Tristan Stubbs interests me in this format and I'll chance my arm with him to score a 50 in the first innings.
Jason Holder has the experience to offer resistance to what looks aa useful Proteas attack and if the hosts get into trouble early doors he comes into the equation as their top first innings batsman.
Bets: 1st Innings to make a 50, Tristan Stubbs? Yes at 9/4 with BoyleSports
1st Innings Top Home Batsman, Jason Holder aat 41/10 with BoyleSports
Note all prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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