SuperSport all set for heavyweight cricket showdown

The start of a cricket series on Boxing Day brings with it grand traditions that set the scene for the international season to come.

South Africa against India in Pretoria will be no different as one of the most anticipated tours in years roars to life against a backdrop of hope and expectation.

In keeping with the status of the tour, SuperSport has assembled an august panel of experts and analysts who include one of Indian cricket’s legendary figures in Sunil Gavaskar.

The 125-test veteran is a seasoned broadcaster and will lend both gravitas and expertise to the group which now also includes Kass Naidoo, fresh off her stint on the wildly popular The 100 Series played in the UK. Kass comes with years of experience as a presenter/commentator and is an exciting new addition to the SuperSport team.

Alongside them are cricketing legends, Mark Nicholas of England, seasoned former Zimbabwe international Pommie Mbangwa, erudite Shaun Pollock, plus Mike Haysman and Robin Peterson, both former internationals.

Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander, of a more recent vintage, will join the team for the second test, as will former Proteas coach Eric Simons.

Meanwhile, viewers can expect rapid delivery from the isiXhosa commentary team: former fast bowlers Makhaya Ntini, Mfuneko Ngam and Monde Zondeki will all be in the commentary booth too, no doubt giving pointers to India’s cultured bowling attack, among other elements of the series.

The Afrikaans commentary, in turn, will feature Jeremy Fredericks, Gerhardus Liebenberg, Johnny Davids, Shafiek Abrahams and Fanie de Villiers.

If there is much familiar about the commentary, SuperSport’s production approach will be markedly different from previous years on account of the pandemic.

“Things will be done differently,” said Vukile Majola, executive producer of cricket at SuperSport. “Apart from all on-ground personnel undergoing daily Covid tests, the proximity to players will be closely monitored, which will affect things like the toss. Also, all the pre-match build-ups will take place via the commentary box.”

Despite these limitations, Majola says the extensive camera specifications will ensure that none of the drama or emotions that accompany test cricket will be lost.

Indeed, no fewer than 34 cameras will be on hand for the test series, including Hawkeye, two ultra-motions, five super-slomos and a pair of stump cameras.

It all adds up to a significant package in keeping with the challenge at hand – India, the world’s top-ranked test nation, against South Africa, always dogged battlers at home and determined to dent an ego or three.

First ball on Sunday is at 10am.