Against the hosts, the West Indies, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test to be held in Guyana since 2011. Shamar Joseph took Kemar Roach’s spot for the West Indies, while left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and offspinner Dane Piedt were added to the South Africa XI.
This will be Shamar Joseph first overseas match at home. West Indies’ lone alteration from the draw in the Trinidad Test was his inclusion.
Three seamen and two spinners are sent in. Gudakesh Motie, who was bowled out at the Queen’s Park Oval, was able to hold onto his position.
South Africa, who had been short-handed in the first game of the series, followed the lead set by the hosts and inserted a second specialist spinner. Alongside Keshav Maharaj and three seamers is Piedt, the off-spinner from the USA who played his first Test in five years on South Africa’s tour of New Zealand in February. Burger was chosen over Lungi Ngidi, and all-arounder Wiaan Mulder will bat at No. 7. Ryan Rickelton could not fit into the lineup for this Test, therefore South Africa started with six specialist batsmen.
This is a winner-take-all match because the first Test was drawn last week. Crucially, for South Africa, it’s the first of seven Tests they need to win in order to guarantee their place in the World Test Championship final without depending on other outcomes.
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On the points chart, West Indies are ranked ninth. This cycle, both sides have only won one Test. Providence Stadium has hosted three Test matches in its history.
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