High-Stakes Test Series Kicks Off at Eden Gardens
Cricket fans are in for a thrilling contest as India prepares to host South Africa in a two-match Test series beginning Friday, November 14, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second Test of this highly anticipated series will move to Guwahati starting November 22, setting the stage for an intense battle between two of cricket's powerhouse nations.
Historical Context and Team Form
The visiting South African team arrives as the current World Test Championship (WTC) winners, adding extra significance to this contest. India enters the series with strong momentum after securing a 2-0 victory over the West Indies in their previous assignment. Meanwhile, South Africa comes from a 1-1 drawn series against Pakistan, showing they remain competitive in the longest format of the game.
When examining the historical record between these teams across all Test matches, South Africa holds a slight edge. Out of 44 Tests played, the Proteas have emerged victorious in 18 matches, while India has won 16 Tests. A total of 10 matches have ended in draws, indicating how closely matched these teams have been over the years.
India's Home Dominance Against South Africa
The dynamics change significantly when the matches are played on Indian soil. Out of 19 Tests hosted by India, the home team has dominated with 11 victories, while South Africa has managed only 5 wins. Three matches in India have concluded without a result.
Most notably, South Africa has not won a Test series in India during the 21st century. India has hosted their South African counterparts seven times since the 1996-97 season, with five of these encounters occurring in the current century. The historical data reveals some memorable contests:
- During the 2004/05 tour, India won the second Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, while the first Test in Kanpur was drawn.
- In the 2007/08 series, South Africa led 1-0 after winning in Ahmedabad, but India leveled the series by winning the third Test in Kanpur.
- The 2010 series ended level, with South Africa winning in Nagpur and India countering with a victory at Eden Gardens.
- India dominated the 2015/16 four-Test series, winning in Mohali, Nagpur, and Delhi, with only the second Test being washed out.
- Most recently, India secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory in the 2019/20 three-Test series.
South Africa's Last Series Victory in India
The last time South Africa won a Test series in India was back in 1999/2000, under the captaincy of Hansie Cronje. That historic series saw the Proteas secure a 2-0 victory, winning the first Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai by four wickets, followed by an innings and 71-run victory in the second Test at Bengaluru. Jacques Kallis emerged as the standout performer of that series, earning the well-deserved Player of the Series award.
As both teams prepare for this new chapter in their cricketing rivalry, all eyes will be on whether South Africa can break their 24-year drought in Indian conditions or if the hosts will continue their dominant home record against the current World Test Championship holders.
