India, Oct. 8 -- Test cricket will return to its pinnacle once November kicks in. There's the Ashes, of course, pitting world cricket's oldest rivals, England and Australia, with a piece of cricketing history up for grabs. But before England face the Aussies in their backyard for a five-Test series, India will be hosting the defending world Test champions, South Africa, for two matches. South Africa last won a Test series in India way back in 2000, but Shubman Gill's new India will be in for a stern challenge against Temba Bavuma's Proteas.

South Africa is on an eight-match winning streak, ending their long, agonising wait for an ICC trophy when it defeated Australia at Lord's in June. With India showing they can be vulnerable at home, l...