WI vs SA 1st Test 2024 Match Preview, Head to Heads, WTC Final Scenarios, Playing 11, Pitch Report, and Live Streaming Details
The South Africa tour of the West Indies 2024 kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between two formidable cricketing nations. The first Test is scheduled from August 7 to August 11. This series marks the beginning of a thrilling contest featuring two Tests and three T20s, running from July 31 to August 27 which also consisted of one 4-day warm-up match between West Indies Championship XI and South Africa.
The three-match series will seriously impact the 2025 World Test Championship standings, where the Windies are currently in the bottom at the 9th spot. South Africa occupies the 7th spot.
WI vs SA 1st Test 2024, Match Details
Queen’s Park Oval, one of the most storied venues in Caribbean cricket, provides the perfect backdrop for this encounter the first Test between West Indies and South Africa. The match will begin on August 7, 7:30 PM IST in India, which is August 7, 10 AM Local Time.
WI vs SA 1st Test 2024, Head-to-Heads
The head-to-head statistics between South Africa and the West Indies in Test cricket reveal a significant dominance by South Africa over the years. Out of the ten Test series played, South Africa has won nine, while the West Indies have managed to win only one series. The lone series victory for the West Indies came in the 1991/92 season when they won 1-0 at home. Since then, South Africa has maintained a stronghold, winning series both home and away.
In terms of individual Test matches, South Africa has been victorious in 22 out of the 30 matches played, with the West Indies winning only three and five matches ending in a draw. South Africa’s victories have often been decisive, including wins by large margins such as their 351-run victory in Centurion in 1999 and their innings and 220 runs win in Centurion in 2014. The West Indies’ notable victories include a 128-run win in Gqeberha in 2007 and a 130-run win in Kingston in 2001.
WI vs SA 1st Test 2024, Squad News
West Indies Test Squad
The West Indies Test squad, led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite, features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Brathwaite’s role as an opener is crucial for providing stability at the top of the order. Alongside him, Jason Holder brings valuable experience and versatility as an all-rounder, contributing both with the bat and ball. Veteran pacer Kemar Roach is key to the bowling attack, known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball. Promising young fast bowler Jayden Seales has shown potential to be a future star, adding depth to the pace attack.
Vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva has impressed with his performances and leadership skills, while Alick Athanaze is a talented batsman with the potential to solidify the middle order. Gudakesh Motie, a promising left-arm spinner, adds variety to the bowling attack. The squad’s overall strength lies in its blend of experienced players and young talents. However, the batting lineup has shown inconsistency in recent times, and the team will rely heavily on senior players to perform. The relatively inexperienced middle order could also be a concern.
Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), 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 Test Squad
The South African Test squad is anchored by key players like Temba Bavuma, who provides stability and experience in the batting lineup. Kagiso Rabada, the spearhead of the bowling attack, is one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. Aiden Markram, a versatile top-order batsman, is capable of anchoring the innings and scoring big runs, while Keshav Maharaj, an experienced spinner, will play a crucial role, especially on spin-friendly pitches.
Emerging talents in the squad include Gerald Coetzee, a promising young fast bowler who has shown potential with his pace and ability to take wickets, and Ryan Rickelton, a talented wicketkeeper-batsman who could strengthen the middle order. Tristan Stubbs, an exciting young batsman, has the ability to score quickly and change the course of a match. South Africa’s overall strength lies in its potent bowling attack, led by Rabada and complemented by Maharaj and Coetzee. The batting lineup, with Bavuma and Markram, is solid and capable of putting up big scores.
Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne
WI vs SA 1st Test 2024, Possible Playing 11
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder
WI vs SA 1st Test 2024, Pitch Report
Queen’s Park Oval, located in Port of Spain, Trinidad, has been a historic venue for Test matches. The ground has hosted a mix of victories and drawn matches. In recent years, the venue saw West Indies draw with India in July 2023. Previously, West Indies secured a substantial 226-run victory against Sri Lanka in June 2018. Historically, Queen’s Park Oval has been a fortress for the West Indies, with significant wins such as a 10-wicket triumph over New Zealand in June 2014 and a comprehensive 204-run victory against Pakistan in April 1993.
The ground has also witnessed several intense matches against Australia, including a drawn match in April 2012 and a loss by 312 runs in March 1999. Matches against England have produced mixed results, with memorable games such as the drawn match in March 2009 and a seven-wicket win for England in March 2004. Encounters with India have often ended in draws, as seen in August 2016 and March 1997, although India managed to secure a 37-run victory in April 2002.
South Africa has had a notable history at Queen’s Park Oval as well. Their most recent appearance at this venue was in June 2010, when they secured a convincing 163-run victory over West Indies, showcasing their strength in foreign conditions. Another significant victory for South Africa came in April 2005, when they defeated West Indies by 8 wickets, further emphasizing their ability to perform well in Trinidad.
However, not all encounters have been favorable for South Africa at Queen’s Park Oval. In March 2001, they faced a narrow defeat, losing by 69 runs. Overall, South Africa’s performance at Queen’s Park Oval has been marked by key victories that demonstrate their capability to adapt and succeed in varying conditions. Their encounters at this venue add an intriguing chapter to the rich cricketing history of Queen’s Park Oval.
ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final Scenarios
South Africa’s performance in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 has been marked by inconsistency and challenges. Out of their four matches, they have secured just one win and faced three losses. Their sole victory came against India in the first Test on December 26, 2023, where they won by an innings and 32 runs. However, their subsequent fixtures reveal a stark decline.
They faced back-to-back defeats against New Zealand in February 2024, with the first Test lost by 281 runs and the second by 7 wickets. Additionally, their defeat against India in the second Test on January 3, 2024, by 7 wickets, highlights their ongoing difficulties in sustaining competitive performances.
The team’s overall performance is reflected in their 25.00% percentage. The lack of consistency and the inability to capitalize on their strong performances against top teams have hindered their progress.
The West Indies have had an even more challenging campaign with seven matches played. Their solitary victory came against Australia on January 25, 2024, where they won by 8 runs. This win stands out as a highlight in an otherwise difficult series.
The West Indies’ performance, however, has largely been underwhelming, with five losses and one draw. Their losses include heavy defeats to England in July 2024, where they were defeated by 10 wickets, 241 runs, and an innings and 114 runs across three Tests.
Additionally, the West Indies’ draw against India on July 20, 2023, is a testament to their ability to compete, but their overall 19.04% percentage reflects the broader issue of their inconsistency and inability to secure more victories.
The current test series is essential for both teams. A series victory would essentially help the Windies leapfrog South Africa, even potentially England. On the other hand, victories will likely put the Proteas ahead of Pakistan.
WI vs SA 1st Test 2024 Live Telecast and Live Streaming Details
Where to Watch WI vs SA 1st Test 2024 in India?
Fans in India can watch the game on Fancode.
