Centurion, December 16: The start of the first cricket Test between India and South Africa was delayed due to a wet outfield. The toss was supposed to take place at 1000 hrs (local time) but it did not happen due to persistent rain since last night.
India have not lost a home series since going down 2-1 to Australia in 2004, but their away form has been less impressive and South Africa captain Graeme Smith said they were under pressure to show they could win in foreign conditions. India have won just one of 12 tests in South Africa.
It will be a tough assignment for the Indians as they hung on to the top spot for almost a year playing in familiar conditions, and for the first time they are venturing out of the comfort zone of the sub-continent since the historic victory in New Zealand March last year.
The Indians are no longer vulnerable overseas, having built the reputation of being tough customers in the past decade or so. They are treated with a lot of respect by the opposition.
-Agencies