South Africa is hopeful that both fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will be available for selection in the first Test against India starting in Pretoria on Tuesday, as confirmed by coach Shukri Conrad.
Rabada has been facing difficulties due to a heel injury, and Ngidi has been dealing with an ankle issue. However, Conrad mentioned that they are still included in the squad.
"They are both here with us and that means they are available for selection as things stand," Conrad told reporters on Saturday.
"We have not called anybody in as a replacement and hopefully come the morning of the match we have 15 fit players to select from."
Whether the pair participate or not, it's probable that Gerald Coetzee, the fiery 23-year-old fast bowler who made an impression in the 50-over World Cup in India, which concluded last month, will have a chance on what's anticipated to be a Centurion Park pitch offering speed and bounce. This is despite his limited experience in Test matches.
Coetzee claimed nine wickets across the two Tests he played earlier this year against West Indies.
"He's still a baby in Test cricket," Conrad said. "He's been phenomenal every time he’s stepped onto the field, whether it be with the white ball in his hand or the red one. This is just going to be another step.
"He brings aggression, he brings something that we've always prided ourselves on as South Africans, which is pace.
"He brings all of those elements and hopefully through the experience he builds in the (T20) league’s and playing for South Africa with the white and red ball, in a couple of years’ time he can be leading our bowling attack."
India is aiming for their inaugural Test series victory in South Africa, and Conrad asserts that his team is determined to maintain their unbeaten record against the visitors on their own turf.
"If it was possible to make this even bigger, then the fact that India have never won here does that," he said. "We certainly want to hold on to that proud record and make sure that that doesn't happen.
"There are so many matchups that this series hinges on. It's two Tests, so it's a high pressured one. You go 1-0 down and you can't win the series. You go 1-0 up, you can't lose. It's going to be like a heavyweight boxing bout."
