It promised to be a fascinating series & I haven't been disappointed. The two best Test cricket sides in the world facing off – India number 1 touring 2nd ranked South Africa. India fresh off handing Sri Lanka their biggest defeat in Test history with captain Virat Kohli imperious in that three Test series averaging 152, including two double centuries, one century & a fifty in only five innings. South Africa having made short work of Zimbabwe at home, bowling them out twice within two days after batting first.
Much of the speculation heading into the 1st Test in Cape Town centred around the Proteas' 11. The Indian side was seen as settled but a fit Dale Steyn meant South Africa had an embarrassment of riches in their pace bowling stocks. Morne Morkel looked in ominous form with five wickets in the 1st innings against Zimbabwe. Kagiso Rabada, the 22 year old firebrand, was coming off a 2017 in which he took 54 wickets (second only to Nathan Lyon). Vernon Philander has a career bowling average of 22, testament to his uncanny accuracy & relentless consistency. Then there was Keshav Maharaj, the left arm orthodox spinner making an impressive start to his international career, who took five Zimbabwe 2nd innings wickets. Who would miss out?