PRETORIA: The commencement of the inaugural Test between South Africa and India faced a delay on Tuesday due to a damp outfield at Centurion near Pretoria.
Originally scheduled for a 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) start, the umpires will reassess the field conditions at that designated time before determining the new commencement time.
Persistent wet patches, a consequence of heavy rainfall in recent days, caused the delay in the start and the toss. Despite the initial delay, the day’s weather forecast predicts a sunny start, although rain might intervene later.
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India enters the two-Test series seeking a historic victory, aiming to secure their maiden series win in a country where they’ve previously come close but narrowly missed clinching triumph.
South Africa has emerged triumphant in seven out of India’s eight visits since their maiden tour in 1992, with one series ending in a draw in 2010/11. Notably, six of those victories were secured with a slender one-game margin.
The line-up for the Test will be disclosed by the respective captains at the toss.
