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Third Test: South Africa vs England Preview

South Africa vs England Preview

The series thus far has been reasonably evenly matched with the tourists improving after a start hampered by illness and injury.

If England win in Port Elizabeth, they will ensure retention of the Basil D’Oliveira trophy having won the last series between the two nations.

Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports 

Third Test | Thursday 16 – Monday 20 December 2020 | St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth | 10:00


To Win 
South Africa 13/10
Draw 4/1
England 13/10


South Africa 
The defeat in the second Test was not without its positives, but it does mean that the Proteas must win in Port Elizabeth to get the desired series result.

Pieter Malan and Dean Elgar have shown promise as a pairing, but South Africa needs them to do more to blunt the England attack and keep the tourists in the field.

The Proteas are considering an all-pace attack which would see Dane Paterson come into the team for Keshav Maharaj. Paterson is considered to be in contention to play after Beuran Hendricks and Andile Phehlukwayo were released to play domestic cricket.

Batting remains the biggest concern for the team with application lacking at times across the first two Tests.

St George’s Park hosted the first Test in South Africa and the first Test against England back in 1889. The ground has held mixed fortunes for the national team.

England
England have their own concerns about batting, but they have been boosted by the grit of Joe Denly, which has held their fragile middle order together.

James Anderson has been ruled out of the series, but England don’t lack for a potential replacement with Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes and Craig Overton all in contention.

Dom Bess, not in the original squad, has likely done enough to keep his place in the XI after a star turn at Newlands. England went with all pace in the series opener, but that did not work out well for them, and they are unlikely to return to that formula.

England’s illness woes continued in the build-up to the Test with skipper Joe Root laid low, but he is expected to lead the side out against the Proteas in PE.

Verdict: South Africa 13/10
The hosts need a response.

Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets. 

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