Couch Critic previews the first test match between West Indies and South Africa including his best bets with @Olimp_SA
WEST INDIES vs SOUTH AFRICA 1st TEST, St Lucia - 10 June @ 16:00
The Proteas end a four month red-ball drought to travel to the Islands for a series which includes two test matches and five T20I’s.
Setting the Scene
The Windies lost both their tests in New Zealand in December (batting letting them down badly) but turned things around in a couple of test in Bangladesh. The last time they were in action they shared a home series against Sri Lanka with neither team able to grab a victory in one of the two tests.
South Africa were able to beat Sri Lanka on home soil over December but returned from a Jan/Feb tour of Pakistan having tasted defeat. Much like their opponents in this series, the Proteas have struggled to post the big scores which win you games in recent times.
How I see it Playing Out
Both these sides find themselves at a bit of a crossroads at present. South Africa are currently ranked seventh and the Windies sixth but both have shown that on their day they can mix it with the best (and also fluff their lines when victory seems easier than defeat). Batting is a concern for both units – neither side has a batsman in the Top 15 of the rankings – whilst bowling clearly is the stronger suit. This one will probably come down to whether a few men are able to put their hands up with the willow.
Betolimp Best Bets
Top South Africa 1st Inns Batsman – Keegan Peterson @ 6.50
The youngster has been impressive in domestic cricket in SA. He’s played for the Dolphins of late and his home track of Kingsmead should be quite similar to the slower tracks found in the Caribbean. We’ve often seen players on debut shoot the lights out and I’m willing to bite at this price.
Top Windies 1st Inns Batsman – KR Mayers @ 5.50
Shai Hope and Darren Bravo are both back in the mix for the Islanders but I fancy a go at the newer addition to shine. In only four tests Mayers has a big double century and two fifty’s to his name. Add to that three more scores of 40-plus and clearly he has hit the test scene with a bang. Yes, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are hardly world beaters but coming in a five he has the chance to express himself after the new ball.
Man of the Match – Kesh Maharaj @ 13.00
Currently playing the best cricket of his career I see Maharaj as the standout option in this market. He should enjoy this trip.
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
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