South Africa v West Indies Test series 2023: All you need to know

Dates, fixtures, squads, form, weather, odds, prediction, TV and streaming information and more ahead of the series between the Proteas and the West Indies

Nik Anand | 26/02/2023 at 11:33

What's the match?

West Indies' tour of South Africa starts with the first of two Test matches at Centurion, the second is due to be played in Johannesburg.

When is it taking place?

February 28- March 4: 1st Test (Centurion)

March 8-12: 2nd Test (Johannesburg)

What are the squads?

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood (vc), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeem Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas

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Tagenarine Chanderpaul pictured during the 2022/23 Test series between Australia and West Indies [Getty Images]

Who's got the form?

West Indies have won their most recent Test series, with a 1-0 success in Zimbabwe. The first Test was a draw despite the high scoring at the top of the order from Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

Series victory was secured in the second Test at Bulawayo, where West Indies won by an innings and four runs, helped by knocks throughout the order - most notably a 70 from Roston Chase.

South Africa's most recent Test series was a big disappointment with a 2-0 loss in Australia. The only saving grace was managing to salvage a draw in the third and final match in Sydney.

But the series had already been decided with a first Test loss by six wickets and a loss in the second match by an innings and 182 runs. Elgar has since been replaced by Temba Bavuma as captain, and his side will be desperate to turn their fortunes around.

What's the history?

South Africa have won 12 of the 15 Tests between these two sides in South Africa. There have been two draws and just one away win - in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in 2007.

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South Africa batsman Dean Elgar [Getty Images]

What is the weather forecast?

Very little rain is expected in the first Test, with forecasts suggesting temperatures in the high 20 degrees Celsius for much of the match.

What are the odds?

South Africa are the hot favourites with Paddy Power, with a win priced at 2/9. West Indies are rank outsiders at 5/1. The draw is 9/1.

What's the prediction?

West Indies have been showing a steady improvement in red-ball cricket but this is a terrifically tough test, and their batting does not appear to have enough to withstand the South African barrage. Home whitewash.