The stadium was packed with France's then-president, Francois Hollande, among the close to 80,000 spectators in attendance for the game against Germany, the match was played to a conclusion despite the unfolding events, with France winning 2-0.

The Proteas will be no pushovers under captain Temba Bavuma despite many of their players making their debuts in India.

France's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Thursday will be a poignant occasion as it takes place on the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris terror attacks.

Play in India's second Test against South Africa in Guwahati will start at 9am because of early sunsets, with the order of the session breaks reversed, meaning tea will be before lunch.

Carlos Alcaraz battled to victory over Taylor Fritz at the ATP Finals on Tuesday, moving to within one win of securing the year-end number one ranking for the second time.