South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Predictions & Tips - Markram tipped to score big at Centurion

South Africa have selected an inexperienced squad for this series but stalwarts such as Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock still have the quality to score big runs. Markram’s domestic form over recent weeks has been sublime and deserves to be backed.

Sri Lanka have won four of their last five Test matches against South Africa, including a 2-0 series win in South Africa in 2019. That series win is considered among the biggest upsets over the last two decades.

South Africa have lost their last three Test matches, all against England in late 2019 and early 2020. It was a four-match series in South Africa where the hosts won the 1st Test but lost the final three.

There is little in terms of Test form to go on for the Proteas considering that they haven’t played since the 24th of January 2020. In that match England won by 191 runs at the Wanderers.

Opening batsmen, Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar have however both been in sublime form domestically and will look to carry that form forward.

South Africa have a number of possible debutants in the Test squad.

Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Migael Pretrius, Raynard van Tonder, Kyle Verreynne, Lutho Sipamla and Glenton Stuurman all have a chance of making their first international appearance.

From the last Test squad, Aiden Markram returns to the fold and should open the batting with Dean Elgar.

Sri Lanka have also not played Test cricket since late January 2020 when they beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in a two-match series on home soil.

After winning the first Test by 10 wickets, Sri Lanka struggled in the 2nd Test which ended in a draw.

Kusal Mendis scored 116 runs in the second innings of the final Test and will want to carry that form forward to South Africa. Historically Sri Lanka struggle away from the sub-continent, barring their series win over South Africa in 2019.

The visitors will fancy their chances once again given just how inexperienced the Proteas are at this level.

Legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been called up to the Test squad and could make his debut in the 1st Test. Lakshan Sandakan has been omitted from the squad.

Veteran allrounder, Angelo Mathews has not toured with the squad due to a hamstring injury. His experience is sure to be missed in foreign conditions.