Dale Steyn. Pic/Getty Images

The greatest thing in the lead up to a big Test match, one that is anticipated by both teams and fans of the game around the world, is the speculation over who will make the final XI. When India rocked up in Newlands, the venue of the first Test match, having spent the last few days practising at the Western Province Cricket Club, the early indications were that Shikhar Dhawan's ankle had not yet healed enough for him to stride out to the middle to take the first ball. KL Rahul and M Vijay were the first Indian openers at the nets and each had a long stint, facing spin, pace and throw downs, watched over keenly by Sanjay Bangar, the batting coach. Eventually Dhawan also batted, but this was well after the main stars of the top six had their net.