England still seem to be shaking off the effects of a virus that has run through their touring squad, but they remain a dangerous opponent for the Proteas.
Mark Boucher’s charges have made a decent start to the series, but it is evident that a lot of work still needs to be done to get the Proteas back to the top.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
South Africa vs England | 3 January – 7 January 2020 | Newlands, Cape Town
To Win Match
South Africa 1/1
Draw 11/2
England 27/20
South Africa
Injury to Aiden Markram means that barring further mishaps Pieter Malan will make his long-awaited Test debut at Newlands. In-form Keegan Petersen has been added to the squad as batting cover but is unlikely to play.
After winning the first Test Boucher and Company will be keen to get some continuity going, and the Malan/Markram switch might be the only change to the starting XI.
Boucher made it clear after the first Test that work was being done with Andile Phehlukwayo to get the allrounder ready for the ultimate format. Still, after a solid debut, Dwaine Pretorius should be given another run.
Vernon Philander was on the money in the first innings in Centurion while Kagiso Rabada took some time to find his groove, but all in all the bowling attack has variety and quality from frontline through to change bowlers.
England
Illness is not the only concern for England as they seek a pathway back into the series against the Proteas.
The tourists will need to improve their decision-making with both bat and ball in the second Test after the top-order failed and the bowlers relied too heavily on short-pitched bowling.
The Proteas have set out their stall to take on Jofra Archer, and the quick will be keen to rise to the occasion and bring the fight to the hosts at Newlands. That said, Archer has emerged as a slight doubt for the Cape Town Test after complaining of pain in his elbow, something to keep in mind if you’re going to back England to win here.
Depending on the weather at Newlands, England’s swing bowlers might enjoy the best conditions for their style in Cape Town, but they need to decide whether to persist with an all-pace attack or bringing in either Jack Leach or Dom Bess.
Verdict: South Africa 1/1
The Proteas should be able to keep their foot on the gas and put England away.
Written James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
