If you want to place a bet on the first West Indies v South Africa Test match this week, here's Wisden's view on the best odds to back.
West Indies v South Africa: Who will win?
In theory, both sides come into the game relatively equally matched. South Africa sit in seventh in the WTC table, while the West Indies are languishing in last after their 3-0 series defeat in England. While the scoreline was dominant, there were positives to take out of the series for the West Indies.
Jayden Seales picked up where he left off before his string of injuries with the ball. Kavem Hodge scored a maiden Test century during the second Test, and looked well put together in his technique. However, the inexperience in the West Indies side, as ever, caused their problems.
South Africa last played a Test match in New Zealand in February, where they sent a B-tier side to accommodate their marquee players in the SA20. The last Test match they played with most of their best players available was in 2023/24, against India at home. Temba Bavuma will captain the side, which will also feature Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj. Exciting fast-bowling prospect Gerald Coetzee has been injured out of the series.
The West Indies have been bolstered by the return of senior pacer Kemar Roach, while vice-captain Alzarri Joseph has been rested. It's a tight call as to who the favourites for the Test match are, but South Africa will sneak in as favourites. However, a bet with the West Indies, priced at 3.30 on Stake, might be worth it.
Who will the team be with the best batter?
Tristan Stubbs, the exciting 23-year-old who averages over 50 in first-class cricket, is set to be South Africa's new No.3. However, he only managed eight in South Africa's warm-up match last week. Markram retired out in that match with a score of 82, while Ryan Rickleton, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreyne and Bavuma also recorded half-centuries.
While Kraigg Brathwaite on home soil could be a tempting prospect, the safer money would be on South Africa having the strongest batter in the first innings. Markram priced at 4.45 or Bavuma at 5.20 are the best priced options on Stake.
Who will be the team with the best bowler?
South Africa have their battery of quicks in Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, an intimidating prospect on any surface. Kemar Roach, fresh back into the side after an injury which ruled him out of the England series, should be the West Indies greatest asset on home soil. He's priced a 3.45 on Stake, and is the pick of the lot for the best bowler in the first innings of the match.
Who will be the team with the highest opening stand?
The West Indies are likely to open with Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis. Louis struggled in the England series but did make a half-century in the final innings. Tony di Zorzi, who impressed against India last winter, will move up to Dean Elgar's spot as opener, partnering Markram. With equal parts experience and inexperience in both opening partnerships, it's a tough one to call. The West Indies just sneak it with the best odds, priced a 2.00.
Any other odds?
The best bet for player of the match would be put on Rabada. As the senior attack leader on pitches which should offer enough to raw pace, Rabada is priced at 8.75. There's also good odds on Ngidi at 9.75, as well as Kemar Roach on 13.00.
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