It’s all square between the Proteas and England heading into the third Test at the Oval which gets underway on Thursday! Get the latest team news, betting odds and more right here!
Proteas must bounce back from Old Trafford hammering
The Proteas seemed to be on course for an unlikely Test series win against England following their innings and 12 run win at Lord’s. The tourists would come crashing back down to earth a week later, however, as England roared back into the series with an innings and 85 run victory.
All eyes will now be on the Kia Oval where South Africa have only tasted victory in the Test arena once in 15 attempts. That win came back in 2012- you might remember the game for Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 311. The sides would meet at the venue again in 2017 as England ran out comfortable 239-run winners.
A lot has changed since that 2017 series. Dean Elgar’s men – following a difficult transitional period which saw them lose back-to-back home Tests against Sri Lanka and suffer three massive defeats in India- appear to be getting a foothold in the Test arena.
They sit second on the WTC standings behind Australia having won six of their nine games during this cycle and will be desperate to claim a place in the 2023 final.
In terms of team news, Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of the third Test as well as the T20 World Cup after potentially breaking/fracturing his leg. The incident occurred at the Pannal Golf Club near Harrogate, where England’s form man slipped on a tee box. Nottinghamshire’s Ben Duckett has been called into the squad as cover with Yorkshire’s Harry Brook likely to make his debut in England’s middle order.
Rassie van der Dussen is missing with a finger injury for South Africa. His place will be taken by either Khaya Zondo or Ryan Rickleton. However, we could well see them both drafted into the side if Aiden Markram- who has had a torrid time with the bat in Test cricket of late- is dropped from the starting XI.
Zondo was outstanding in South Africa’s domestic four-day competition for the Dolphins this past season, averaging well over 50. Rickleton, meanwhile, has returned First Class scores of 95, 68, 22, 59*, 55, 133, 4 and 103 for Northants in his last four County outings.
The other change you’d expect to see is Marco Jansen coming back into the side at the expense of Simon Harmer.
Match week has arrived🏏#ENGvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/GHk9SzqTSh
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) September 5, 2022
Betting Odds
England rightfully head into this match as favourites. South Africa’s record at the Oval isn’t the greatest and the hosts will be buzzing after the pasting they gave the tourists last time out. The big concern, however, is the weather. There appears to be a lot of rain around between Thursday and Monday in south London, so the draw could be a big runner.
To Win Match
England 1/1 | Draw 5/2 | England 5/2
When and where to watch?
You can catch all of the action on SuperSport Cricket (channel 212 on DStv). The daily build-up begins at 11:00 with play set to get underway each day at around 11:50.
The Kia Oval
The team batting first has won the last four Tests at the Oval. As mentioned a bit earlier, South Africa have a dire record at the ground with a solitary victory to show for the 15 Tests they’ve played here.
Squads
England
Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root.
South Africa
Deal Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickleton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo.
