Photo via Hindustan Times

South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 1 Live Score: Sandpaper Gate backdrop looms large; series gets underway in Durban

The highly anticipated three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia kicks off in Durban, with the first Test already setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle. South Africa’s lineup features a mix of experience and firepower, including captain Temba Bavuma, pace spearhead Anrich Nortje, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, while Australia faces early setbacks with key players Cameron Green and Josh Inglis ruled out due to injury.

The Proteas have named a strong XI, with both Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj included in their batting lineup, while Australia’s selectors scramble to finalize their batting options, with Nic Maddinson and Cooper Connolly in contention for spots vacated by the absentees. The toss will be pivotal, as both teams eye the pitch—a rare October Test in South Africa—with former players Shaun Pollock and Vernon Philander suggesting it may favor batters early but break up later, potentially rewarding the captain who opts to bat first.

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