England host the Proteas in a highly-anticipated Test series that gets underway at Lord's this week. James Richardson previews.
South Africa lost their warm-up match against the Lions and will have some task ahead of them if they are to come out on top.
England vs South Africa | 17 August – 21 August | Lord’s, London
To Win Match
England 8/10 | Draw 28/10 | South Africa 3/1
England
England have been all-action under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum and have also been getting results.
Stokes has quit ODIs with his focus drawn by T20s and the Test captaincy.
Jonny Bairstow’s incredible run of form has been central to England’s run of positive results.
The fast bolwing duties remain an area for debate with Stuart Broad and James Anderson joined by the likes of Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson and Matthew Potts with only three or four places in the XI available.
South Africa
The loss of Duanne Olivier is a blow to the Proteas attack which would have stood to benefit from the fast bowler’s experience of the conditions in England.
When it comes to First Class batting form, South Africa face a poser with Rassie van der Dussen looking in decent touch but Khaya Zondo also knocking on the door.
Sarel Erwee and skipper Dean Elgar will hold the key to wearing down the England attack as the opening batters.
Aiden Markram’s bowling could be an unexpected boon for the Proteas, especially if they need to put the brakes on the Three Lions.
Verdict: England 8/10
England might just blow the Proteas right out of the water in this one.
