England win the toss, elect to bat as 'Boxing Day' test match gets underway
England won the toss and elected to bat as the traditional Boxing Day test match got underway at SuperSport Park on the Day of Goodwill.
The Proteas have everything to play for after a tumultuous year for Cricket South Africa (CSA).
The year was marked by poor performances by the national team, a strong of resignations and suspensions at CSA, and threats of a player strike.
ALSO READ: South Africa seek happy end to bad year against England
All-rounder Ben Stokes practised with the England team on Wednesday ahead of the first Test against South Africa, starting at SuperSport Park on Thursday.
South Africa have not vanquished England at home since 1999/2000, when they had already secured the series before Hansie Cronje persuaded Nasser Hussain to seek a one-innings result after three full days had been lost to rain. It was later revealed that Cronje, who was eventually banned after a corruption scandal, had been in contact with a bookmaker.
Thursday's test will mark Vernon Fillander's swansong after he announced on Monday that he will retire from international cricket after the four-match World Test Championship series against England, which starts at SuperSport Park on Thursday.
The Proteas team for the test match was only made public on Thursday mornign, with Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius making their test debuts.
*Additional reporting by AFP.
Hello Boxing Day! It’s an absolutely stunning day at SuperSport Park & we anticipate a cracker of a game as #ProteaFire take on England in the first Test match of the summer. Play starts at 10am, but catch the build up live on SuperSport 2 & SABC 3 from 9:30. #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/jBoqKWUgFm
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 26, 2019
Toss | #SAvENG
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 26, 2019
Ladies and gentlemen it's that time of the year, both captains out in the middle for the toss.
England skipper Joe Root has won the toss and has elected to bowl first.
What are your thoughts on his decision? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/p8VH6MkPnv
Team news 📝 | #SAvENG
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 26, 2019
Right! Here's the playing XI the Proteas have opted to go with.
Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius make their test debut.
The 2 debutants have a wealth of experience, how important is their inclusion in to the test team? pic.twitter.com/mHIWbcT95u