India’s all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, faced an unfortunate setback as he was ruled out of the first Test against South Africa at Supersport Park in Centurion.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Jadeja complained of upper back spasms on the morning of the match, leading to his unavailability for selection in the series-opening Boxing Day Test.
The decision was a precautionary measure by the team management, choosing not to risk Jadeja due to the discomfort in his upper back. The unexpected absence of Jadeja opened the door for Ravichandran Ashwin to make a surprise entry into India’s playing XI.
“Ashwin is playing in place of Jadeja – he had a back…neck spasm in the morning. Ashwin will come in handy. We all know what a quality bowler he is,” India captain Rohit Sharma said at the toss.
Despite being the top-ranked Test bowler, Ashwin was not the initial preference for the Test match, primarily due to Jadeja’s superior batting abilities. However, after bowling eight overs, he is yet to take a wicket and critics have questioned the team management’s decision to include Ashwin in place of a pacer.
Let us check out Ashwin’s record in South Africa.
What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s record in South Africa?
| Span | Matches | Innings | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | BBI | BBM | Avg | Eco | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| In South Africa | 2013-2023 | 7 | 13 | 190.4 | 36 | 524 | 10 | 4/113 | 5/191 | 52.40 | 2.74 | 114.4 | 0 | 0 |
MORE: What is Rohit Sharma’s record in Test matches in South Africa?
Where can I watch India and South Africa on TV and online in India?
Fans can stream the 1st Test between India and South Africa online on the Disney+ Hotstar. The match will be streamed on the app, as well as website. The Boxing Day Test match will be telecasted in various languages – English, Hindi, and Vernacular.
| Tournament | Date | Online stream | TV Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs SA 1st Test | December 26, 2023 | Disney+ Hotstar |
Star Sports Network |
MORE: What is Kohli’s record in Test Matches in South Africa?
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