The third and final test of Freedom trophy is being played at Jharkhand States Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, as well the birthplace of M.S. Dhoni.
Interesting Facts:
All three-venue of the test series witness just second test in the series, the Ranchi, as well, is going to witness just second time only.
India has a big opportunity to whitewash South Africa, first time
India has also an opportunity to become the first asian team, which whitewash South Africa in a test series of 3 or more tests.
Since last almost one and half decade, South Africa did not face white wash in the series with 3 or more tests, last time they faced again Australia in their own backyard in 2005-06.
Last time, India played against Australia in Border-Gavaskar 2016-17 series on the venue in 2017, where the test turned into the draw, but India outplayed Australia in some manner. It was typical India pitch, win toss bat first, with spinners had upper hand against seamers, with 15-9 wickets in the test.
India might play with just one change and could ask Ishant Sharma to make room for H. Vihari, a batsman with part-time off-spinner. There is one possibility of unchanged eleven as well, in case of pitch favours to batmen.
On the other hand, South Africa has one forced change of their opener, A. Markram, and South Africa could include Z. Hamza. A. Nortje could not impress in his debut test, so South Africa could sit him out of playing eleven and include L. Ngidi or D. Piedt, but L. Ngidi might have more chance to take place in the squad.
India Eleven (possible): R.G. Sharma, M. Agarwal, C. Pujara, V. Kohli, A. Rahane, W. Saha, R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, H. Vihari / I. Sharma, M. Shami, U. Yadav.
South Africa Eleven (Possible): D. Elgar, Z. Hamza, T. De Bruyn, F. Du Plessis, T. Bavuma, Q. De Kock, S. Muthusamy / D. Piedt, V. Philander, K. Rabada, K. Maharaj, L. Ngidi.
