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England tour of South Africa 2019/2020 Thread

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England National Cricket Selectors have named a 17-strong squad for the four-match Test series against South Africa starting at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Boxing Day, 26 December 2019.

England Test squad

Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain

James Anderson (Lancashire)

Jofra Archer (Sussex)

Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)

Rory Burns (Surrey)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Zak Crawley (Kent)

Sam Curran (Surrey)

Joe Denly (Kent)

Jack Leach (Somerset)

Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire)

Ollie Pope (Surrey)

Dominic Sibley (Warwickshire)

Ben Stokes (Durham) vice-captain

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Mark Wood (Durham)

Three players, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow and Mark Wood, all return to the Test set-up.

Lancashire seamer Anderson, who sustained a right calf tear during the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in August, is currently involved in a dedicated fast-bowling camp in Cape Town along with Durham's Wood.

Quick bowler Wood is recovering from a left knee injury and side strain sustained during the ICC World Cup Final in July. He last played Test cricket in February, where he was named player of the match in England’s last victory away from home against the West Indies in St Lucia taking six wickets in the match.

Yorkshire batsman Bairstow, currently working on his batting at the camp in Cape Town, returns to the squad having missed out on selection in the recent two-Test series in New Zealand.

Lancashire seamer, Saqib Mahmood, misses out on selection having been part of the Test tour of New Zealand.

Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said:

“With James Anderson and Mark Wood returning to the squad, Saqib Mahmood is the unfortunate player to miss out.

"It is not predicted that Mark (Wood) will be available for selection for the earliest matches. However, he will travel with the team and continue his rehab work with the medical staff on tour. There is no exact date given for his return, but the medical team is working towards him becoming fully available for selection during the tour.

"With that in mind, and given the extended period that James and Mark have had on the sidelines due to injury, it was sensible to have a 17-man squad.

"Moeen Ali, who asked to take a break from Test cricket last summer, remains unavailable for Test selection.

"Jonny Bairstow returns to the England squad after missing out on the New Zealand tour. Jonny, Mark and James are already in South Africa on a training camp ahead of the Test tour.”

The four-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be the first time in the competition that England have played away from home. Joe Root’s team will be looking to close in on India and Australia, who are currently leading the standings. The top two teams at the end of the two-year cycle will compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final in England in June 2021.

Ends

England Test tour of South Africa 2019-20

Tuesday 17-18 December: Two-day warm-up match - South Africa Invitational XI v England – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Friday 20-22 December: Three-day first-class match – South Africa ‘A’ v England – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Thursday 26-30 December: 1st Test – South Africa v England – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Friday 3-7 January: 2nd Test – South Africa v England – Newlands, Cape Town

Thursday 16-20 January: 3rd Test – South Africa v England – St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth

Friday 24- 28 January: 4th Test – South Africa v England – Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
 
I am really surprised that they have kept almost the same squad from NZ tour.
 
England rest Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Mark Wood for ODI series in South Africa

England will rest four of their World Cup winners for next year's three-match ODI series against South Africa as their focus shifts towards the 2020 T20 World Cup.

All-rounder Ben Stokes, seamers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, and wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler are not included in a 16-strong party for February's games but are named in the squad to contest the T20 series that follows.

Moeen Ali, who is on an indefinite break from red-ball cricket, retains his place in the 50-over set-up and returns to the T20 squad but Joe Root remains absent from the 20-over picture after missing the recent 3-2 victory over New Zealand.

National Selector Ed Smith, said: "These two squads were selected with an eye on the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020.

"In the T20s, a number of players who were rested for the successful 3-2 victory in New Zealand return to the squad: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Jason Roy.

"We want to expand the pool of players who can perform successfully for England, while also helping the team to peak for major tournaments."

England have not played an ODI since beating New Zealand in the thrilling climax to this summer's Cricket World Cup, in July, when Stokes and Buttler posted a total of 15 in the Super Over which Archer successfully defended - victory confirmed when Buttler ran out Martin Guptill.

The quartet's absence from the ODI squad means that Worcestershire seamer Pat Brown, Somerset batsman Tom Banton and the Lancashire pair of Matthew Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood receive their first call-ups.

Banton and Mahmood are, however, two of five players who contributed to England's T20 victory over New Zealand in November to miss out on selection for the shortest format this time - along with Sam Billings, Lewis Gregory and James Vince.

England will play the first of three ODIs against South Africa in Cape Town on Tuesday February 4, with the remaining games at Durban and Johannesburg on February 7 and 9 respectively.

The three-match T20 series begins the following week - East London, Durban and Centurion the venues.

England ODI squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) captain, Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Pat Brown (Worcestershire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England IT20 squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) captain, Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Pat Brown (Worcestershire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), Mark Wood (Durham)

ODI Series

First ODI, Newlands, Cape Town: Tuesday, February 4 from 10.30am

Second ODI, Kingsmead, Durban: Friday, February 7 from 7.30am

Third ODI, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg: Sunday, February 9 from 7.30am

Twenty20 Series

First Twenty20, Buffalo Park, East London: Wednesday, February 12 from 3.30pm

Second Twenty20, Kingsmead, Durban: Friday, February 14 from 3.30pm

Third Twenty20, Supersport Park, Centurion: Sunday, February 16 from 12pm

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...-and-mark-wood-for-odi-series-in-south-africa
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gutted not to be involved in the England odi squad.</p>— Liam plunkett (@Liam628) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liam628/status/1205477688770777089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Abdullah719 said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gutted not to be involved in the England odi squad.</p>— Liam plunkett (@Liam628) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liam628/status/1205477688770777089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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How David Willey felt that he was not in World Cup squad despite having good performances?
 
So England will likely win this series and Root will be confirmed captain for another two seasons. Wish they'd just let him bat. He's half the player he used to be.
 
Buttler is lucky to be there. Not sure which pet of Ed Smith's that Ben Foakes has managed to kill to justify being benched.
 
Markhor said:
Buttler is lucky to be there. Not sure which pet of Ed Smith's that Ben Foakes has managed to kill to justify being benched.
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Had a bad season with the bat at Surrey. Since his first-test century he seems to have gone backwards.
 
South African bowling is better but England have a better batting unit.

England favourites but Rabada and Philander can run through England side.
 
The selection of Sam Curran was wrong for NZ on flat tracks but I think it's fine for SA where the ball swings and seams a bit. The likes of lakmal , Aamir etc. of similar pace have done reasonably well here. Anyway SA are in decline with CSA in absolute tatters. Last season they had Steyn and Amla and they have retired as well. England should be disappointed if they can't thrash this SA side senseless.
 
Ab Fan said:
South African bowling is better but England have a better batting unit.

England favourites but Rabada and Philander can run through England side.
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Bowling is not better. Philander was ineffective last year against Pakistan. Rabada has been down on pace and nortje is an unknown factor . Broad, Archer, Curran, Stokes is can match current Saffer attack .
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Bowling is not better. Philander was ineffective last year against Pakistan. Rabada has been down on pace and nortje is an unknown factor . Broad, Archer, Curran, Stokes is can match current Saffer attack .
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Philander was coming back from an injury.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Bowling is not better. Philander was ineffective last year against Pakistan. Rabada has been down on pace and nortje is an unknown factor . Broad, Archer, Curran, Stokes is can match current Saffer attack .
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It's a closer call but think SA pacers have a point to prove after a poor India series and they would give their best this time. Philander may had one mediocre series but we all know how incredible he is outside Asia. Rabada also hasn't had the best year, so he would like to put a show as well.
 
SA are such a poor test side right now that england should be looking to win this series with ease, yes SA have good seamers but there batting is at lowest level since readmission.
 
I expect a whitewash in favour of saffers. you guys will see. South Africa will bounce back strong. They have some very good young players with serious potential. They just tan into a powerhouse indian side away from home. I bet the exact same team can trouble current india in south africa.

Yes England will be mor3 familiar with SENA conditons as it's relatable but make no mistake, south africa will bounce the out. Their batting isn't weak in home conditions.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
The selection of Sam Curran was wrong for NZ on flat tracks but I think it's fine for SA where the ball swings and seams a bit. The likes of lakmal , Aamir etc. of similar pace have done reasonably well here. Anyway SA are in decline with CSA in absolute tatters. Last season they had Steyn and Amla and they have retired as well. England should be disappointed if they can't thrash this SA side senseless.
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doesn't work like that. This south african side is still very good at home. The Lanka series was a abberarion. They still smashed pakistan right before that series. It will be very competitive. South Africa are still favourites.
 
tyron_woodley said:
doesn't work like that. This south african side is still very good at home. The Lanka series was a abberarion. They still smashed pakistan right before that series. It will be very competitive. South Africa are still favourites.
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England did well on their last 2 tours here and this Saffer side is definitely weaker than either of those two sides. I don't see any clear favourites but I think if England play to their full strength they will be too much for the Saffers.
 
SA are minnow level only in Asia. Outside Asia, I think their bowling is excellent and batting is workable. You never know between these SEA teams- the results keep on switching between them- anyone can beat anyone.

I wasn't expecting SA to beat Australia at home in 2018 tour but Rabada, de Villiers and Markram played brilliantly and on the opposite side, Smith and Warner had bad tour.
 
Cape Town - Former Test wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was on Saturday named as South African team head coach until 2023.

An upbeat Boucher said South African cricket had been through "trying times" but added that he was confident that the national team could be successful against England.

"Beware of a wounded buffalo, especially in Africa," he said.

The announcement was made by Cricket South Africa interim director of cricket, former Test captain Graeme Smith, who only took up his post on Wednesday.

Boucher, 43, played in 146 Tests, 290 one-day internationals and 25 Twenty20 internationals for South Africa and one test for an ICC World XI before a serious eye injury ended his career in 2012.

He has coached the Titans franchise for the past three seasons, winning five of a possible nine trophies.

"I felt that at this stage the Proteas (national team) needed a really hardened, internationally experienced guy," said Smith.

Enoch Nkwe, who was previously interim team director and in charge of the team on a recent tour of India, was named assistant coach, also with a contract until the end of the next Cricket World Cup in 2023.

Faf du Plessis was confirmed as captain for the Test series against England which starts at Centurion on December 26, while former Test batsman Ashwell Prince was named coach of South Africa A.

Smith said he expected to appoint batting and bowling consultants within the next week.

Boucher said South Africa had rebounded in the past.

"I have been involved in sides where we've had some very tough times," said Boucher.

"One of the toughest was the Hansie Cronje (corruption) saga but straight away after that we beat Australia.

"I think we've got a very good chance of turning it around. I've been in set-ups where we have turned around in a couple of days."

Smith said an emergency selection committee consisting of Boucher, Nkwe, Du Plessis and Linda Zondi, who was sacked as convener after South Africa's poor World Cup campaign, would announce a squad on Monday for the first Test as well as a South Africa A team to play against England.

The Test squad will assemble on December 18.

Against the background of controversy about the administration of South African cricket, with calls for the board of CSA to resign, Smith said he personally had no contact with the board about making what amount to long-term decisions.

He said he had dealt only with CSA interim chief executive Jacques Faul.

"There's no relationship (with the board) at this stage," he said. "My point of call is Jacques."

He said recent developments had been disappointing.

"We need to turn around the image. A lot of things still need to shift. My goal is focused on getting the Proteas and the structures performing well.

"We know that cricket is a big part of bringing in budgets and a high-performing Proteas team will go a long way towards providing some confidence."

Although Smith's interim role is only for three months, Faul later told AFP that he hoped the former captain would commit to a long-term position.

England start their tour with a two-day match against an Invitation XI in Benoni on Tuesday, followed by a three-day match against South Africa A at the same venue from Friday.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/beware-a-wounded-buffalo-warns-new-boucher-20191214
 
South Africa, who have lost their last five Tests, received another setback ahead of their series against the visiting England side, with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi set to be out of action till January.

Ngidi has been diagnosed with a "significant Grade 1 hamstring muscle tear", which he picked up during warm-ups ahead of the Mzansi Super League play-offs, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Sunday, 15 December.

Tshwane Spartans made it to the final of the T20 competition, against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants on Monday, but Ngidi will be forced to watch from the sidelines.

"Lungi Ngidi sustained an acute hamstring muscle injury during the warm-up prior to the MSL T20 play-off on Friday. Scans done on Saturday showed a significant Grade 1 tear of his hamstring muscle and therefore he has been ruled out of the MSL T20 final," CSA chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra said.

"He will commence his rehab and return to play in January 2020, and based on his progress, a decision will be made regarding his availability for selection for the Proteas team."

South Africa are set to take on England in four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, starting with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.

Ngidi's young career has been hindered by injury-forced breaks. He last played a Test on the tour of India, where he featured in only the final match.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1535614
 
CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today named six uncapped players in the Standard Bank Proteas squad for the first two Test matches against England to be played over the festive season.

The World Sports Betting Cape Cobras duo of fast bowler Dane Paterson and opening batsman Pieter Malan, the Imperial Lions trio of batsman Rassie van der Dussen, fast bowler Beuran Hendricks and all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, and Warriors wicketkeeper/batsman Rudi Second have all been included in the Proteas squad which will assemble for a training camp later this week.

Second was selected for the previous Test series in India but had to withdraw through injury. Paterson, Van der Dussen, Hendricks and Pretorius have all represented the Proteas in white ball internationals.

The first Test match takes place at SuperSport Park, Centurion, from December 26 to 30 and the second at Newlands from January 3 to 7.

Lungi Ngidi of the Momentum Multiply Titans and Wiaan Mulder of the Imperial Lions could not be considered because of injury while Aiden Markram of the Momentum Multiply Titans is recovering well from injury.

“The high number of uncapped players coming into the squad is a reflection of our policy to acknowledge players who do well at franchise level and have put their hands up for selection,” commented CSA Independent Selector, Linda Zondi.

“Van der Dussen, who is third on the current four-day batting averages, and Pretorius, who has established himself as the leading all-rounder, are clear examples of this.

“Following the same trend Paterson has been the second leading wicket-taker in four-day cricket this season, including a 7-wicket haul in an innings, and we want to go into the Test series will a full arsenal of fast bowlers who have always provided one of our traditional strengths.

“Beuran Hendricks is also part of this strategy and adds variety to the attack as a left-arm swing bowler.

“Malan has been one of the most consistent runs scorers in franchise cricket for many seasons now and, as a specialist opening batsman, he provides cover for Markram, while Second provides cover in the wicketkeeping department and is a top order batsman in his own right.

“The selection of the A side to play England in a three-day tour match is confirmation of our policy to make this team our official South African 2nd XI and it has a good mix of experienced and young players with Pite van Biljon, Kyle Verreynne, Glenton Stuurman and Nandre Burger all being chosen at this level for the first time.

“Van Biljon and Verreynne are both in the top six on the four-day batting averages while we have gone for a young fast bowling attack as we look to develop our depth in this area,” concluded Mr. Zondi

Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Momentum Multiply Titans, capt), Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions)

Management

Head coach: Mark Boucher

Assistant coach: Enoch Nkwe

Team manager: Volvo Masubelele

Fielding coach: Justin Ontong

Strength and Conditioning coach: Tumi Masekela

Physiotherapist: Craig Govender

Performance analyst: Prasanna Agoram

Media Manager: Sipokazi Sokanyile

Security Manager: Zunaid Wadee

SA A squad (to play England at Willowmoore Park from December 20-22): Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Nandre Burger (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Theunis de Bruyn (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dane Piedt (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Lutho Sipamla (Warriors), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors), Pite van Biljon (VKB Knights), Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras)



Head Coach: Ashwell Prince

Assistant Coaches: Malibongwe Maketa and Piet Botha
 
Incredibly weak South African squad.

This is going to be a massacre.
 
The batting looks very inexperienced and england bowlers should be licking their lips here, england beat a Strong SA team last time round as well.
 
trust me. south africa will bounce back well. Team is still strong.

elgar
markram
Pieter malaan
hamza
van der dussen
QDK
pretorius
mahraj
rabada
nortje
Hendricks or sipmala

it's a strong side for SENA countri3s. Prepare to be shocked. They are only weak in Asia particularly india and Lanka.
They will still beat most teams at home and SENA countries.
 
tyron_woodley said:
trust me. south africa will bounce back well. Team is still strong.

elgar
markram
Pieter malaan
hamza
van der dussen
QDK
pretorius
mahraj
rabada
nortje
Hendricks or sipmala

it's a strong side for SENA countri3s. Prepare to be shocked. They are only weak in Asia particularly india and Lanka.
They will still beat most teams at home and SENA countries.
Click to expand...

batting looks well iffy, and bowling not much better
 
Tour match, Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day one of two):
England 309-4: Root 72*, Denly 60*, Sibley 58*
South Africa Invitation XI: Yet to bat

England captain Joe Root scored an unbeaten 72 on day one of his side's two-day warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Benoni.

Root, Joe Denly (60 not out) and opener Dom Sibley (58 not out) all retired after passing their half-centuries.

Jonny Bairstow, playing as a specialist batsman, made only 13 on his return to red-ball cricket with England.

Zak Crawley (28 not out) and Sam Curran (18 not out) guided the tourists to 309-4 at the close.

England are set to spend Wednesday in the field and will hope that pace bowlers Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer are able to take part after both being affected by illness.

James Anderson will bowl for England for the first time since the opening Test of the Ashes in August after recovering from a calf problem.

All-rounder Ben Stokes is missing the warm-up match after being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday but has now joined the touring party.

England face South Africa in a four-Test series, with the first match at Centurion starting on 26 December.

"You can't really beat time at the crease and there's another three-day game coming up so there'll be opportunities there as well," said Sibley, who has made 38 runs in his three Test innings so far.

"I've got to start getting some scores but hopefully Boxing Day will be my day, if I play."

After Rory Burns (16) fell top-edging a hook shot to fine leg, Sibley patiently ground his way to 58 off 140 balls.

Denly hit 10 fours and one six in a fluent knock, while Root, who scored 226 against New Zealand in his last Test appearance, was again in fine touch, scoring freely in making 72 off 86 balls.

Ollie Pope fell lbw to Matthew Arnold for 20, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was caught in the slips for 15 and Bairstow, who was dropped for the Test tour of New Zealand, hit a full toss straight to mid-on.

But Crawley, who made his debut in the second Test against New Zealand, and all-rounder Curran comfortably played out the final hour.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50829623
 
Jacques Kallis named Proteas batting consultant

Wednesday, 18 December 2019

Former Standard Bank Proteas all-rounder, Jacques Kallis has been named as the team’s batting consultant for the duration of the summer. He will join the squad for their camp starting in Pretoria today (Wednesday).

Kallis boasts a combined 519 international matches for South Africa with 25 534 runs and 577 wickets. He retired from all forms of international cricket in 2014 after amassing 62 international centuries – 45 Test and 17 ODI – averaging 55.37 and 44.36 in each format respectively.

The South African team assembles today to begin preparation for a full home tour against England. The nearly nine-week affair will include a four-match Test, three-match ODI and three-match T20I series.

Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Momentum Multiply Titans, capt), Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions).
 
Jacques Kallis has been named South Africa’s batting consultant for the summer, Cricket South Africa stated on Wednesday, 18 December.

Kallis, one of the foremost all-rounders in the sport’s history, scored 25,534 runs and picked 577 wickets in 519 internationals for South Africa. He will be the latest former player in South Africa’s new set up, after the appointment of Mark Boucher as head coach and former captain Graeme Smith as acting director of cricket.

The 44-year-old will be part of South Africa’s set up for the duration of the visit of England, and will join the rest of the squad in Pretoria today. England's tour will comprise four Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is, with the series beginning with the first Test on Boxing Day at The Centurion.

Meanwhile, Charl Langeveldt has left his position as Bangladesh fast-bowling coach on the request of CSA, and is expected to take up a role with Boucher’s coaching team.

“I can confirm that we have received a formal request for his release,” said Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, the BCB CEO. “We value our strong cricketing relationship with CSA. We have also taken into consideration that he was a South African international cricketer, and we understand his reasons for wanting to work with his own team. The Board has decided to release him with immediate effect.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1537091
 
Tour match, Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day two of two):
England 309-4 dec: Root 72*, Denly 60*, Sibley 58*
South Africa Invitation XI 289: Snyman 79, Rosier 70, Sekhukhune 65; Woakes 3-48
Match drawn

James Anderson returned to England's attack as the under-strength tourists drew their two-day warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI in Benoni.

Anderson took 1-37 in his first match since aggravating a calf injury on day one of the first Ashes Test in August.

Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Jack Leach were all unavailable to bowl because of illness.

But England dismissed the hosts for 289 in reply to their 309-4 declared.

Chris Woakes claimed 3-48, picking up all three wickets in the space of 11 balls, to boost his chances of playing in the first Test against South Africa at Centurion, which starts on 26 December.

England in South Africa - fixtures
Sam Curran, who was preferred to Woakes in the first Test in New Zealand last month, removed both openers cheaply in taking 2-45.

But Kabelo Sekhukhune (65) and Jacques Snyman (79) then frustrated a laboured England in a stand of 133 until Anderson removed Sekhukhune during an improved second spell shortly before Woakes' burst.

Home captain Diego Rosier added 70, targeting the uncapped Matt Parkinson, before he was finally bowled by the Lancashire leg-spinner.

England captain Joe Root picked up 2-21 with his off-spin and Parkinson (2-112) claimed the last wicket.

All-rounder Ben Stokes was not available to bat or bowl in the match after being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday but did field in the afternoon.

Pace bowlers Archer and Broad and left-arm spinner Leach were all sent back to the team hotel after contracting an illness that has also affected England's backroom staff.

England have a second warm-up match, a three-day game against South Africa A starting on Friday at the same venue, before they face the Proteas in a four-Test series.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50835856
 
Benoni - England's three-day match against South Africa A, starting at Willowmoore Park on Friday, has been downgraded because of the illness of three England bowlers.

Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach are all struggling with illness.

Cricket South Africa announced on Thursday that it had agreed to a request by England to change the match from a fixture with first-class status to a non-first-class friendly game. Any 11 players will be able to bat or bowl, which will enable the tourists to bring players in during the match, even if they are not fit enough to start.

England team media manager Danny Reuben said all three players started feeling flu-like symptoms two days ago and had progressively felt worse. All three stayed at the team hotel on Wednesday when England were in the field on the second day of a two-day match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI at Willowmoore Park.


"Two to three other members of the team and two members of the backroom staff felt unwell today with similar symptoms," said Reuben. "We hope that within 48 to 72 hours we will see improvements in their health."

Reuben thanked Cricket South Africa for their flexibility. "In normal circumstances we would have wanted to play the match first-class," he said.

Friday's match was due to be England's only first-class fixture ahead of the first Test of a four-match World Test Championship series against South Africa, which starts at Centurion on December 26.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/E...downgraded-as-england-hit-by-illness-20191219
 
Good to see South Africa go with some newer players. The rebuild starts for South Africa.

They may go through some pain but I expect South Africa to rise again.
 
Bavuma ruled out of first Test match

Standard Bank Proteas batsman, Temba Bavuma will miss out on the first Test match against England after sustaining a Grade 1 hip flexor muscle strain which was revealed by scans on Thursday.

He will remain in the Proteas camp and begin his rehabilitation program with the team’s medical staff with the goal of returning to play within seven to 10 days.

The first Test match is scheduled to take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion from 26 to 30 December 2019. A decision on a possible replacement will be made at the conclusion of the South Africa A and CSA Franchise Four-Day matches that are taking place this weekend.

Cricket South Africa Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra said;

“Temba Bavuma presented with clinical features of a left hip flexor strain. A scan done yesterday confirmed a Grade 1 strain of one of the hip flexor muscles. Temba will commence his rehabilitation program with a goal of returning to play in 7 to 10 days’ time.”

Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Momentum Multiply Titans, capt), Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions).


Management: Mark Boucher (Head Coach), Enoch Nkwe (Assistant Coach), Khomotso Masubelele (Team Manager), Justin Ontong (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Craig Govender (Physiotherapist), Prasanna Agoram (Performance Analyst), Sipokazi Sokanyile (Media Manager), Zunaid Wadee (Security Manager), Jacques Kallis (Batting Consultant), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Consultant).
 
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South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada is not flustered with his team's position on the ICC World Test Championship table, suggesting that the points will start coming once the team get their processes in order.

South Africa, who lost the only WTC Tests series they have played so far 3-0 to India, are currently reeling at the bottom of the WTC table. After the retirements of their big players from the longest format, the Proteas have struggled to get going, but Rabada does not want his team to get discouraged with the current scenario.

"The [WTC] can put unnecessary pressure on us right now," he said. "We shouldn't really be looking at that. Yes, we don't have any points and it does look bad. But if we can focus on what we want to do that should look after itself.

"We hadn't been thinking about it, but when you mention it and you think about where we are on that table, it can get you into the mindset where you need to catch up. But at the moment we need to focus on the product and the by-product will look after itself."

With new management, featuring several former South Africa Test greats, taking over, Rabada is confident that they have turned a corner. After former captain Graeme Smith's appointment as the interim Director of Cricket, South Africa named Mark Boucher as the head coach with Jacques Kallis and Charl Langeveldt being appointed as batting consultant and bowling consultant respectively.

"It's amazing to have someone like Jacques Kallis in," Rabada said. "He's a great of the game. So is Mark Boucher. It's also great to have Charl Langeveldt back. I really enjoy working with him. They know what they're talking about. They played at this level for a very long time.

At the moment we need to focus on the product and the by-product will look after itself.
Kagiso Rabada

"Everything is well-drilled and well-oiled. There's no hesitation. They have a plan, they're really decisive on what needs to happen. But at the same time it's not very strict. There's an expectation on every player to do the minimum of what is required, and the rest is up to you. You can liberate yourself."

The 24-year-old, who has already picked up 183 wickets in 40 Tests since his debut in 2015, expressed confidence in his team's ability to deliver and believes that they will give a tough fight to the touring English side.

South Africa last beat England at home in 2000South Africa last beat England at home in 2000
"We're going through a transition phase, and we need to see if we can step up," he said. "We do believe that we can. We spoke about where we want to go and where we're at right now, and I think everyone is on the same page, which makes things a lot clearer."

South Africa, who have not beaten England at home since the 1999-2000 series, will play four Tests, the first of which starts on Boxing Day in Centurion.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1538973
 
Somerset duo of Dominic Bess and Craig Overton have been called up to the England men’s Test squad as cover ahead of the first Test starting on Boxing Day against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion due to illness in the camp.

Bess and Overton are due to arrive at the team's base in Johannesburg on Saturday morning.

Due to widespread illness in the England camp, it has been agreed that the match against South Africa A starting at Willowmoore Park today has been downgraded to a three-day friendly tour match with only 11 players batting or fielding at any point in time. The playing conditions remain as previously agreed.

A spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board said: "ECB would like to take this opportunity to thank CSA for their flexibility on this situation and to emphasise that under normal circumstances we would have wanted to play the match first-class, but illness in the camp has made this very problematic."
 
Good to see Pieter , zubayr, markram all playing. Theunis rightfully dropped. However , bavuma needed to be dropped too. Rassie is a decent selection and so is Rudi but both are 30 . What is the point of dwaine Pretorius and phehlukwayo in test cricket?
 
Tour match, Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day one of three):
England 337-5: Denly 103, Pope 70*, Burns 56
South Africa A: Yet to bat

Joe Denly hit a fine century as England impressed with the bat on day one of their warm-up match against South Africa A in Benoni.

Denly, who has passed 50 five times in 19 Test innings without a ton, struck 103 off 192 balls, with 15 fours, as the tourists closed on 337-5.

Opener Rory Burns made 56 and Ollie Pope 70 not out.

This is England's final warm-up game before the four-Test series against South Africa begins on 26 December.

The three-day match was downgraded from its first-class status to allow England to use more than 11 players because of illness affecting several members of their touring party.

Somerset bowlers Dominic Bess and Craig Overton were called up on Friday to provide cover.

Denly's century will therefore not go on his first-class record but showed the 33-year-old is in good form before the first Test in Centurion.

He played the short ball well and did not offer any chances until he was run out by Dane Piedt after a call by Pope.

"I don't think I've had it quite as bad some of the boys, just a mild case of man flu I think," said Denly.

"It was sapping heat so I was a bit tired before the end, but I've loaded up on medication and vitamins and I'm feeling alright."

Opener Dom Sibley was bowled for 22 by Andile Phehlukwayo, who also removed Burns - dropped on 41 - to end the day with 2-51.

Captain Joe Root made 12 and Ben Stokes 47, having not batted in the first warm-up game this week after winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday.

Pope hit 11 fours and one six in a fluent knock as he reached the close alongside wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who is 17 not out.

Bowlers Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach did not travel for the match because of illness and England will continue to assess their condition before deciding whether they will play any part in the final two days.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50867162
 
I can't remember the last time South africa weren't the outright favorites for a home series against somenone! I know their team isn't as bad as it seems and there have been off field issues but i hope they can put up a strong showing this summer.
 
Good to see Pope in the runs. A more robust England line is slowly taking shape. It’s not Strauss / Cook / Trott / KP / Bell / Collingwood / Prior, but it’s better than what we fielded last Northern summer.

No clue why Anderson is on tour though. He is 38 and has a mediocre record in SA.
 
rollingstoned said:
I can't remember the last time South africa weren't the outright favorites for a home series against somenone! I know their team isn't as bad as it seems and there have been off field issues but i hope they can put up a strong showing this summer.
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lol ? they will still be a strong force at home. They will beat England comfortably.
 
Tour match, Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day three of three):
England 456-7 dec: Pope 132, Denly 103, Burns 56
South Africa A 325-5: Petersen 111, Verrynne 74, Second 55; Anderson 3-41
Match drawn

England will trust Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Jack Leach to decide if they are fit to play the first Test against South Africa after all three missed the warm-up games because of illness.

The trio took part in a net session in Benoni on Sunday but played no part in the match as England drew their final warm-up against South Africa A.

James Anderson took two wickets before a draw was agreed, with the hosts 325-5 in reply to England's 456-7 declared.

The first Test begins on Thursday.

"It's a tricky one - they will do everything they can to be ready and that's all you can ask," said England captain Joe Root.

"You want to make sure they can really let themselves go and get through 20 overs in a day, 25 if they absolutely had to.

"A big part of it is that you don't want to let the rest of the guys down - you don't want to say you're fit to play if you're not, then pull up and put the workload on the rest of the team.

"It's a fine balance, with a bit of trust either way in making sure the right decision is made."

Pace bowlers Broad and Archer and left-arm spinner Leach also missed the first warm-up against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI after suffering from flu-like symptoms, so have not bowled in a game at all on tour.

The South Africa A match was downgraded from first-class status to allow England to field more than 11 players because of illness in the camp, while Somerset bowlers Craig Overton and Dom Bess have been called up to provide cover.

The hosts resumed day three on 154-2 and, despite a tough day for the tourists' bowlers, seamer Anderson - who is returning from a calf injury - dismissed Rudi Second (55) and Kyle Verreynne (74) to finish with 3-41.

England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker Anderson, who aggravated a calf injury on the first day of the first Ashes Test against Australia in August, got through 19 overs, including seven maidens.

Keegan Petersen scored a fine 111 for the hosts before he was removed by Sam Curran, at which point the captains decided to shake hands on a draw with three hours until the close.

"You can see the benefit of Anderson's time off," said Root.

"He's worked really hard physically and looks in great shape, probably as strong as we've seen him, and it showed in his performance."

England will face South Africa in four Tests, with the first at Centurion.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50883867
 
Robert said:
Good to see Pope in the runs. A more robust England line is slowly taking shape. It’s not Strauss / Cook / Trott / KP / Bell / Collingwood / Prior, but it’s better than what we fielded last Northern summer.

No clue why Anderson is on tour though. He is 38 and has a mediocre record in SA.
Click to expand...
Olly stone or Ben coad should replace anderson
Those two have potential to be permanent members of the team
 
incredibly difficult series to call . Even though I'm english I would honestly prefer it if south africa wins as I'm tired of the big 3s grip on the game. Yes england are one of the big 3 even though I know barely anyone in my social circle who watches cricket.
Hope rababa takes wickets. If I was pushed to make a call I would go for England, south Africa line up is just so youthful and disorganised and a generally organised unit such as England will capitalise, but I cant say I'm hoping for an english victory as I dont see what good it would mean
 
For south Africa, it seems a debut for rudi second is long overdue , btw. bavuma has been keeping him out the side on zero basis
 
Junaids said:
Incredibly weak South African squad.

This is going to be a massacre.
Click to expand...

I think it will be close. SA have good bowlers but perhaps just two test class batters. I think we have three to four test class batters now. I reckon England will win by one test.
 
jofra is in bad form, anderson is old. only broad and ,if picked, wood will be effective in safrica. english batsmen are much better.

having said that, england somehow managed to win in 2016, when south africa was a much stronger team.
pretty sure they will win this time as well.
 
people forget that south african bowlers are excellent at home. I think s.a will take the series 2-1.
 
Chris Silverwood, the England head coach, has said that his side might consider opting for an all-pace attack in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion.

The visitors had deployed a similar strategy in the Hamilton Test against New Zealand last month, bringing in Chris Woakes in place of Jack Leach. With the Centurion wicket offering more assistance to seamers, England might be tempted to turn to field an all-seam attack again.

"Obviously in Hamilton, we looked at all the stats of who took wickets at the ground, and it showed that spin didn't really play much part in the games, or certainly have much effect on the games," said Silverwood.

The top nine wicket-takers in Centurion are all fast bowlers, with Dale Steyn leading the charts with 59 scalps in 10 Tests.

"We look at the stats for this ground, it's the same thing, you're looking at wickets taken by seam, wickets taken by spin and the averages that go along with them, it suggests that seam is the way forward, and the thing that has most effect on the game here, so we're certainly looking at that," added the England coach.

While England are considering leaving out their specialist spinners, Silverwood recognises the pool of talent they have in the slow-bowling department."We've got some good resources in the spin department," he said.

"Leachy is coming back to fitness now, we've got Dominic Bess here as well, Parky who bowled nicely in Benoni [in the practice game]. So we've got the resources but we're looking at it for what it is, what has most effect in this game. We're not definitely going down the road of all seam, but it's something we've got to discuss over the next few days."

If he's going out on the pitch we need to make sure he's 100 per cent
Silverwood on Archer

Silverwood also gave an update on fast bowler Jofra Archer, whose participation in the first Test is in doubt due to illness. The 24-year-old did not bowl even once in the tour match against South Africa A, but turned up for the nets on Monday.

"We saw how he was running in and bowling fast in those nets," said Silverwood. "He bowled a few overs with me the day before and he just backed it up again, so if we can see a few more sessions like that then he'd throw his hat in the ring.

"Maybe there's a little bit more caution around it, if I'm brutally honest, but more than anything it's for his well-being as well. If he's going out on the pitch we need to make sure he's 100 per cent, but equally, he's played a lot of cricket as well – albeit maybe not at Test level."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1544728
 
Cape Town - While visitors England appear to have several selection headaches ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said the only uncertainty in his team concerned the composition of the bowling attack which would be decided on the morning of the match after a look at the pitch.

The first - of four - Tests between the two countries will get under way on Boxing Day at 10:00.

Du Plessis confirmed on Tuesday that Rassie van der Dussen would make his Test debut, batting at No 5 behind Zubayr Hamza at three and himself at four.

Du Plessis also indicated that all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius would also win a first cap, batting at No 7.

Van der Dussen, 30, has played 18 ODIs and nine T20Is for South Africa, while Pretorius, also 30, has played 22 ODIs and six T20Is.

Meanwhile, Du Plessis enthused about the value that former international stars Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis have brought to his team - but warned that good preparation would mean "nothing" if it was not backed up by performances.

"We will get measured on the way that we play," he said.

"We’ve done the right things this week as a team and now it’s about going out there and putting in performances on the field."

Du Plessis said the influence of head coach Boucher and batting consultant Kallis had been like a breath of fresh air.

"There’s a real energy in the squad, a real positive feel to what we’ve been doing, how we have been training in the last week and the information that’s been spoken about."

Du Plessis said that although he was now a highly-experienced international player, the "wisdom" that had come into the team set-up had helped him as well.

"You almost ask, why have these guys not been here for the last 10 years," he said.

"It’s so important to have guys like that in a dressing room. If you look around at international cricket, other teams have got that. You look at the Australian team, you look at (Justin) Langer, (Ricky) Ponting, (Steve) Waugh."


Du Plessis also paid tribute to opening bowler Vernon Philander, who announced on Monday that he would retire from international cricket after the series.

"Vern has been the leader of the attack for a long time in all conditions, especially in South Africa," said Du Plessis.

"He’s a huge weapon for us. I think this series is going to be a big one for him. He looks very, very motivated, full of energy. He wants to leave this team with a big performance."

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/E...ssen-pretorius-to-debut-at-centurion-20191224
 
Get ready for the fast show! Kagiso Rabada v Jofra Archer promises to be the 90mph showdown that could decide this Test series - Nasser Hussain

Kagiso Rabada is the perfect role model for Jofra Archer. They bowl at similar speeds, have similar athleticism and there are big expectations on both of them from England and South Africa in this Test series and beyond. Both can be superstars.

Rabada, of course, has shown the way. He was the youngest bowler to be ranked No 1 in the world and since then he has set consistently high standards. Now he has taken 183 Test wickets in 40 Tests at 22.50 which is a remarkably similar record to the great Allan Donald at the same stage of his career.

The key to Rabada's success is his ability to bowl high speeds for long spells and very rarely do those speeds drop off, which is something Archer can look at and learn from. Certainly New Zealand showed Jofra how hard Test cricket can be.

Rabada learned very quickly when he first played Test cricket to cope with those demands. He is incredibly skilful and has shown himself to be a quick learner.

For instance when he first came into the South African side he was a better bowler to right handers but recently he has gone round the wicket to left-handers and improved against them.

There was a time when Rabada, still only 24, would go quiet when the ball wasn't doing much but he has learned now to try to shape it in and out and doesn't have to wait until the ball reverse swings before he's back in the game again.

South Africa's spearhead has an exceptional bouncer but he doesn't get carried away with it and will invariably bowl a good length. Perhaps his biggest asset is an incredibly quick arm that comes at you from nowhere.

The one area where Rabada could improve is in his discipline. He likes to be in the batsman's face and, like Jimmy Anderson, is on the edge all the time and is constantly pushing the line.

That has led to problems and suspensions, notably when he was banned for two matches in 2018 for making physical contact with Australia's Steve Smith. There was also a send-off to Ben Stokes at Lord's the last time these sides met in Test cricket.

That fire in his belly goes a long way towards making Rabada the bowler he is and you do not want to quash that but the last thing South Africa need is for him to miss any more games because he is so important to them.

Rabada has been handled well by South Africa and this is definitely where England can learn. Mike Selvey wrote in The Cricketer recently that Archer is a thoroughbred not a workhorse and South Africa treat Rabada like a thoroughbred. They know what they have.

There were times in New Zealand and during the Ashes when Joe Root used Archer like a workhorse and he would be far better employed in short sharp spells. Better to have five overs of Jofra at his best and then give him a rest as opposed to seven or eight overs of him at 80mph. England have got Chris Woakes and Sam Curran to do that.

I do think Archer can be difficult to manage and I don't mean that in a bad way. He wants to do things his own way, like bowl left-arm spin in practice, wrap his jumper round his waist and go for a ride on a Segway before a Test.

That's all fine when things are going well and we applaud how relaxed he is but when they are not, as in New Zealand, they can be used against someone who does things differently.

Sky are showing a programme on the World Cup on Boxing Day and in it Eoin Morgan says that at an early stage of England's first game against South Africa at the Oval he found Jofra having a little nap in the dressing room. And that was the biggest game of his career up to that point!

Man-management is going to be crucial with Jofra, as it has been with South Africa and Rabada. I don't think, for instance, the stick is going to work with Archer. It will not be a good idea for Root to become cross with him at those points of difference.

I think the way to get the best out of him will be to make him feel special because he is special. The whole handling of Jofra during that World Cup, when suddenly he came from nowhere to bowl the super over in a final at Lord's, was superb.

Morgan made him feel special but in the Test arena you get the impression he has infuriated Root at times. His handling of him in South Africa and beyond will be crucial.

Make no mistake, Archer now has the potential to join Rabada, Anderson and Pat Cummins as one of the world's very best bowlers. You only have to look at that spell he bowled at Steve Smith at Lord's last summer to see that.

And Jofra only has to look at his opposite number in the South African team during this series for an example of what it takes to fulfil that enormous potential.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/c...omises-90mph-showdown-decide-Test-series.html
 
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England are likely to miss a few regular players in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at The Centurion, but captain Joe Root believes their bench players will be "desperate to prove a point" should they get an opportunity on Thursday.

Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer, the frontline pacemen, and Jack Leach, their leading spinner, all missed the warm-up matches after catching a flu-like illness. Unfortunately for England, despite these players being quarantined, the illness is spreading, with Chris Woakes becoming the latest player to contract the virus.

England have already called up pacer Craig Overton and off-spinner Dom Bess as additional cover. But there was no denying it has put a dent in the team's plans for the Boxing Day Test. "It's been quite frustrating in many ways, but we have to handle it," said Joe Root. "We have to get on with it and make sure that the guys that are selected are ready to go.

"We are very lucky that we have got a big squad out here and a number of players in a really good place and ready to go. It's important we use these next two days to make sure everyone is in the best possible place to go and win this game.

"We have got some very competitive players who will be desperate to prove a point if given the opportunity."

Ben Stokes' participation in the first Test is also in doubt after his father, Gerard Stokes, was hospitalised in Johannesburg on Monday, 23 December and is in critical condition, according to an ECB statement. .

"It puts things into perspective," Root said. "We are here to play cricket and to win the series but most importantly, we want to make sure that Ben and his family have got all the support they can get. It's crucial that that comes first."

England will rely on the experienced Jimmy Anderson, in the absence of Archer and Broad, as well as young pacers Sam Curran and Overton. Matt Parkinson and Bess offer cover as spin options, while Jonny Bairstow is likely to be called upon to take responsibility with the bat, should Stokes miss the match.

Apart from the Boxing Day Test, England and South Africa will clash in three further Tests before moving on the limited-overs leg of the tour.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1545095
 
Markram ruled out of remainder of England Test series

Saturday, 28 December 2019

Standard Bank Proteas opening batsman, Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against England after sustaining a fracture to his fourth left finger. The injury will require surgery and will remove him from play for at least six weeks. He is scheduled for surgery early next week.

The injury took place during Day Two of the Test match which is currently underway at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Cricket South Africa Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra said:

“Aiden sustained a fracture affecting the distal joint of his left ring finger. After consulting with a number of hand specialists yesterday we arrived at a decision that the best outcome would be achieved through surgical reduction and fixation. This would mean him unfortunately missing the rest of the series against England. We feel for Aiden who worked extremely hard to come through his previous hand fracture sustained in India to be Test match ready.”
 
VKB Knights batsman, Keegan Petersen has been named the replacement for injured Aiden Markram ahead of the Test match against England in Cape Town.

In CSA’s bid to reward excellence, Petersen has been called up to the Standard Bank Proteas team after consistently good performances in the CSA Domestic Franchise Four-Day series over an extended period of time. He capped off his fruitful season with an impressive 111 (240 balls, 12x4s) for the South Africa A team against England in a friendly tour match building up to the Test series.

The 26-year-old from Paarl has 88 First Class matches under the belt with 5 490 runs, a high score of 225 not out and an average of 40.66.

Markram will go under the knife early this week after sustaining a fracture to his fourth left finger on Day Two of the current match taking place in Centurion.

Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Momentum Multiply Titans, capt), Temba Bavuma (Imperial Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Keegan Petersen (VKB Knights), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (Imperial Lions), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Rudi Second (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions).
 
Opener Dom Sibley has become the 11th England player to be affected by illness on the tour of South Africa.

Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Jack Leach were ruled out of the 107-run first-Test defeat in Centurion, while captain Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes spent time off the field.

Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer missed both warm-up games, and Joe Denly and Mark Wood have also been ill.

The second match of the four-Test series starts on Friday in Cape Town.

Root said illness was not an excuse for defeat at Supersport Park after England were bowled out for 268 in pursuit of a record 376.

Sibley, playing only his third Test, made four and 29 in the match.

Craig Overton and Dom Bess were called up as cover before the Test and will remain with the squad when they fly to Cape Town on Tuesday.

England's preparations for the series were also affected when Stokes' father was admitted to hospital three days before the Test began, although he is no longer in intensive care.

Four members of the backroom staff have also suffered with illness since England arrived in South Africa on 13 December.

Woakes and Leach are no longer in quarantine after spending the first Test at the team hotel, while Pope came to the ground midway through the match.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50946642
 
Head coach Chris Silverwood has admitted that England will not think twice about making changes to their XI for the second Test against South Africa, if the pitch demands them.

A 107-run defeat in the series-opening Boxing Day Test in Centurion has once again spelled out England's red-ball troubles. An outbreak of illness within the squad that laid low 10 people at various times has only compounded matters, with Dominic Sibley joining the long list of players to have been afflicted.

With Jack Leach now having regained fitness, England will have to reassess their bowling combination for the next Test. If they do decide to play a spinner after going for an all-seam attack in the first, then one of the veterans – Stuart Broad or James Anderson – is likely to be dropped.

The Broad-Anderson pair has been one of England's most prolific bowling partnerships, but nostalgia has no place in Silverwood's England, who want to concentrate on building a team for the future.

"In Jimmy [Anderson] and Stu [Broad], we have a wealth of experience and we’d be really stupid not to take that into consideration every game," Silverwood said. "But, equally, you want your youngsters to come through, and if we’re going to make room for a spinner, we’ve got to have a look at which seamers are right for this pitch. If there’s a big decision, we’re not afraid to make it."

The Newlands pitch is one of the few in the country that assists spin bowling, and Silverwood was well aware of that fact. "We’ve got to look at playing a spinner at Newlands," he said. "We’ll go down there and do what we always do — look through the records, what features where, and who is going to have most impact on that game. We’ll do our homework and go from there."

You don't want to wish those guys away or look back and think 'we've forced Jimmy Anderson out'
Joe Root

England Test captain Joe Root also echoed these sentiments ahead of the second Test. "It's a fine balance. You've got to look at the surface and at an attack you feel is best going to counter that and best counter the opposition," he said.

"I think the ideal scenario is to have people pushing them [Anderson and Broad] all the time, so that they're constantly trying to improve themselves. They’ve got fantastic records behind them and they've produced fantastic things for England in the very recent past.

"You don't want to wish those guys away or look back and think, 'we've forced Jimmy Anderson out."

Despite the sombre mood in the English camp, Silverwood said that illness and adversity have made his team stronger and let the players come closer.

"I think there's some aspects from this Test that have galvanised us," he said. "We've seen a lot of character, a lot of guts and a lot of bravery from a few of the guys that have been poorly but have got themselves out there, got themselves up for it and shown a lot of fight. I'm proud of the guys in that respect."

The second Test of the four-match series begins on Friday, 3 January.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1555265
 
England bowler Jofra Archer is a doubt for the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town with a right elbow injury.

The 24-year-old did not bowl during training on Wednesday.

The second Test gets under way on Friday, with South Africa one up in the four-Test series following a 107-run win in Centurion.

Archer had missed both warm-up games because of illness, which has affected 11 England players on the tour.

England are expected to include a spinner in their team, with Somerset off-spinner Dom Bess favourite to play ahead of Matt Parkinson and Jack Leach.

Stokes 'would swap' 2019 success for dad's health
The selectors went with four seamers in the first Test, with James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Sam Curran completing the attack alongside Archer.

But with dry conditions at Cape Town expected to produce spin, Jos Buttler says captain Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood are open to change.

"Everyone says it looks a good wicket but it is open to the elements so might be a bit of a dry wicket," Buttler told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think there is lots of flexibility (in team selection). It's about turning up, looking at the conditions, seeing what you are faced with and trying to come up with the best way of winning the game.

"I know Joe and Chris are very open to lots of different combinations, whether it's a spinner or seamers."

Jos Buttler in front of Table Mountain
The venue of the second Test stands below the iconic Table Mountain
While Archer was unable to bowl in training on Wednesday, Buttler confirmed no players missed the session through illness.

A total of 11 players have so far been affected by a sickness bug during the tour, but the Lancashire wicketkeeper echoed Root's refusal to blame the first-Test defeat on illness.

England twice let South Africa off the hook in the first innings at Centurion - with the hosts recovering from 111-5 to put on 284 before the tourists collapsed from 140-3 to 181 all out.

They were left chasing an improbable 376 to win, and while opener Rory Burns (84) and Root (48) put in spirited performances, it was never going to be enough.

Buttler says the aim is to show those same battling qualities from the opening ball in Cape Town in a bid to seize the initiative, rather than being forced to once again chase the game.

"The way Rory Burns batted in the second innings I thought was worth 150 runs on a few other wickets," he said. "I thought that was fantastic, showing that character, but we have talked about showing that character ahead of the game as well.

"It's when we are backs-to-the-wall that the team shows a lot of character to try and get out of trouble, but can we do that on the front foot and get ahead of the game?"

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50964206
 
Rory Burns added to England's concerns for the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town after limping out of a football match in practice.

The opener, England's top-scorer in the first Test, injured his left ankle and was taken for a scan.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer did not train on Thursday because of soreness in his right elbow and has also had a scan.

The Test starts on Friday with England trailing 1-0 in the four-match series after losing by 107 runs at Centurion.

Paceman Mark Wood is yet to return to match fitness, while spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out through illness.

Batsman Dom Sibley is expected to be fit after coming down with the sickness bug that has swept through the squad.

"Not knowing exactly how Jofra is might change how we balance the side. He did pull up sore," said captain Joe Root.

The tourists will decide whether to persist with a bowling attack of five seamers or bring in the spin of Matthew Parkinson or Dominic Bess.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50973920
 
Rory Burns ruled out of rest of series against South Africa with ankle ligament damage suffered playing football.
 
Burns is one of England’s better players - this is more very bad news - already starting to feel like “one of those tours”!!! (I hope I am wrong!)
 
James said:
Burns is one of England’s better players - this is more very bad news - already starting to feel like “one of those tours”!!! (I hope I am wrong!)
Click to expand...

Not good signs for Pakistan either. If you guys loose bad over here, you will come hard on us in summers.:mv
 
Burns is one of england's main batsmen, his exit has now kind of ruined england's chances

Such a shame, he was really showcasing his talent in the first test.

What is the need to play football, so many players get injured during practice. It might be more beneficial to not practice at all
 
James said:
Burns is one of England’s better players - this is more very bad news - already starting to feel like “one of those tours”!!! (I hope I am wrong!)
Click to expand...

could be mind games. Would be annoying if he is out. Its always better to see both teams at full strength.
 
south africa should get over the rubbish quota system and just pick players on merit.

Their bowlers have always been good. Infact the non white bowlers have had better first class records hence why south africa will never have issues with the pace department. Olivier, dupavillan etc aren't better than rabada, ngidi, nortje and philander. One that got away was abbott. He was afraid of competing with ngidi and rabada so he quit. Took the easy route.

Batting is the issue though. They still have talent;

breetzke is doing good
janneman Malan
verrynne

all will get call ups in various formats I am sure. Malan brothers and verryene need to get picked for tests potentially sooner in my opinion. rudi second isn't replacing QDK so he will.have to wait.
 
England seamer James Anderson to undergo scan on side

England seamer James Anderson will undergo scans on a side injury after struggling through the fifth day of the 189-run win over South Africa in the second Test at Cape Town.

Anderson claimed his 28th Test five-wicket haul in the Proteas' first innings at Newlands and two in their second, though he spent time off the field as the game finished on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old returned from a five-month lay-off due to a calf injury during the first Test at Centurion but could now be a doubt for the third in Port Elizabeth from January 16.

"He'll go for a scan, get some treatment and we'll see how he pulls up," said England captain Joe Root after his side drew level in the four-match series

"It's his side, but it could be just a little niggle. It could be a 24 to 48-hour thing or it could be something else.

"Until we have more information we'll just treat it as best we can and fingers crossed he's not another casualty of this tour."

Opening batsman Rory Burns is out of this tour and the March trip to Sri Lanka after sustaining ankle ligament damage playing football.

Seamer Jofra Archer also missed the Cape Town victory with a sore right elbow but is expected to be fit for the third Test at St George's Park.

Fellow quick Mark Wood could also play in that Test, having stepped up his training after overcoming side and knee issues that have sidelined him since July's World Cup final.
https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...seamer-james-anderson-to-undergo-scan-on-side
 
England seamer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against South Africa after sustaining a left rib injury in England’s second Test victory at Newlands.

The Lancashire bowler underwent an MRI scan in Cape Town on Wednesday morning.

Anderson felt tightness and discomfort at the end of the morning session on day five and was only able to bowl eight overs during the day. He finished with figures of 2-23 from 18 overs in South Africa’s second innings.

He will return to the UK in the next few days.

Somerset seamer Craig Overton will remain in South Africa as cover.
 
Anderson out of the tour is no bad thing. Get a pace option in for the third test. Hopefully Leach too.
 
Will most likely retire

The next tests this year are all in sri lanka and india

Atleast they dont have to leave out archer this series
 
Why cant England selectors look past Overton.

Ben coad, porter, or joshua tongue are much better
 
tyron_woodley said:
I expect a whitewash in favour of saffers. you guys will see. South Africa will bounce back strong. They have some very good young players with serious potential. They just tan into a powerhouse indian side away from home. I bet the exact same team can trouble current india in south africa.

Yes England will be mor3 familiar with SENA conditons as it's relatable but make no mistake, south africa will bounce the out. Their batting isn't weak in home conditions.
Click to expand...
Hmm.

England were caught by illness across the squad in the first test but have recovered health.
 
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to confirm that the Standard Bank Proteas Test squad will go unchanged ahead of the remaining two of the four-match series against England. The third fixture takes place next week Thursday, 16 January at St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth, followed by the final match at the Imperial Wanderers from 24 January.

The series is evenly poised at one-all after the visitors won the New Year’s Test match by 189 runs at Newlands earlier this week. The result followed South Africa’s series-opening victory by 107 runs in the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park.

The starting XI from the Newlands Test, along with Dane Paterson will travel to Port Elizabeth, while the rest of the players will remain with their franchise teams to play in the CSA Domestic Four-Day series. The selection panel are placing an emphasis on the importance of game time for non-starting players and prefer that they are available to their teams to help boost the competition. They will join the national team if and when required.
 
Both sides in transition, the difference is england are selecting better option in the newer players coming in.

Plus the transformation quota is hurting SA team strength more than ever
 
Cape Town - England batsman Zak Crawley is hoping to make his mark on Kagiso Rabada next week in Port Elizabeth, after failing to leave an impression on the paceman during his brief stint in county cricket.

Rabada took a short-term deal with Kent in 2016 to gain experience in English conditions and, while Crawley did not make his first-class debut until the following season, he had started to travel with the team.

The pair were on opposing sides during England's 189-run win in the second Test at Cape Town, with Crawley drafted in to face Rabada's fiery new-ball spells after fellow opener Rory Burns suffered ankle ligament damage on the eve of the match.

And it seems there was no reminiscing about life at Canterbury between the pair.

"I'm not sure he remembered me," said the 21-year-old Crawley. "I never played with him at Kent but I was there. I was 12th man and I ran with the squad when he was there."

Crawley was making just his second international appearance but did his best to create an impact on a man ranked as the fourth best bowler in Test cricket, hitting him for three early boundaries as he made a lively 25 in the second innings at Newlands.

It was Rabada who had the last laugh, though, having him caught behind attempting a big drive through the covers.

Far from being chastened by the experience he was enthused by it and is already eager to go one better by dominating the seamer when they reconvene for the third Test at St George's next week.

"I loved it. It's always great shaping up against one of the best bowlers in the world and seeing how you go," Crawley said.

"I thought I played him OK until an average shot to a pretty average ball actually. It was a half-volley. I'm looking forward to playing him again at Port Elizabeth hopefully and taking him down."

They might seem bold words from a rookie with just 30 runs from his first three knocks at the highest level, but Crawley was riding high after being part of England's first win at Newlands in 63 years.

"It's the best feeling I've had on a cricket field, I reckon," he said.

"The crowd singing all five days. It was something I'll never forget. Brilliant. You just want more and more of it. I can see why so many people work hard at this level.

"Once you get that buzz you want it every day of the week. I can't wait for the next Test. Hopefully it's the same again."

Crawley's biggest contribution to the result came in the field on the final day, first holding Quinton De Kock at short midwicket and then pulling off a memorable slip catch from Anrich Nortje - the penultimate wicket of the match.

Crawley initially parried the chance one-handed and then, with Dom Sibley and Dom Bess ready to pounce as they stood either side in the cordon, flung out his other hand to complete the catch.


"It lasted a lifetime. It seemed to hover in the air," he said of the fraction of a second between his first and second touch.

"It was just a matter of sticking my hand out and luckily I managed to make it go up in the air and managed to get my other hand in it. I thought they were going to nick it off me but I'm glad they didn't!"

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/E...ada-in-his-crosshairs-for-third-test-20200110
 
England fast bowler Mark Wood is honest in making a critical assessment of himself but hopes he gets chance to feature in the third Test against South Africa.

Wood was England's second-best bowler at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, where he picked up 18 wickets in 10 matches. Apart from bowling the difficult overs at the death for his team, he consistently got some key wickets in the middle phase, like that of Ross Taylor in the thrilling final at Lord's, but a side strain and a knee surgery have kept him out of the side since.

While Wood is in England's squad for the South Africa series, he was overlooked for the first two Tests. He realizes that Jofra Archer's meteoric rise in international cricket and Chris Woakes utility as an all-rounder puts them above him in the "pecking order" but after putting in the hours in the nets, he believes he is now fit and ready to give it a go in the subsequent Tests.

"I'll be putting my name in the hat for this next game," he said. "It will be up to the management whether I've bowled enough and am ready to go. But if they were to look at my style of bowling and think it could be beneficial then my name is in the hat.

"If I'm honest I think Jofra [Archer] and Woakesy [Chris Woakes] are ahead of me in the pecking order," he added. "But I'd love to think this is my period of time, where I've got through those hard times, and now I can kick on. I'm not even in the team at the minute but I feel much happier within myself, I feel I'm an England cricketer rather than just someone that's always pushing to try and get into the team."

"I’ve heard the fourth Test in Johannesburg might suit me better because the ground is at altitude and the pitch is bouncier. Confidence is a massive thing. I know I can do it now."

I'll be putting my name in the hat for this next game. It will be up to the management whether I've bowled enough and am ready to go.

Wood was also lavish in his praise for Archer, who he thinks is more talented than him. Wood shed light on the "speed gun" rivalry the two bowlers had been a part of in the World Cup.

"We have a friendly rivalry over the speed gun. It’s nice that we spur each other on," admitted Wood. "In the World Cup, when I bowled one that was quite quick on the speed gun, I’d look over to Jofra and give him a little wink — and he would do the same to me.

"In the final, I knew I’d pipped him. I was clocked at 95.7mph and he was 95.6mph and, as we came off the field, I was dying to tell him. I said to him as he walked into the dressing room, ‘Jofra! I’ve got you! I’ve done you on the speed gun’.

"He is talented, more talented than I am" – Wood on Archer
"He strolled past, fresh as a daisy, looked me up and down with ice packs on my side, my knee and my ankle and said, ‘But I think I’d rather be me’. And I was like, ‘Yeah, fair enough, mate.’"

The third Test begins on Thursday, 16 January in Port Elizabeth. The series is currently tied at 1-1.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1569725
 
England captain Joe Root missed practice for the third Test against South Africa with a stomach upset.

Root, 29, stayed at the team hotel while players trained on Sunday but he is expected to be fit for the match, which starts on Thursday.

England's tour has been badly affected with 11 players suffering with illness, while Rory Burns and James Anderson have been ruled out with injuries.

The four-match series is 1-1 after England's 189-run victory in Cape Town.

Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Jack Leach were ruled out of the 107-run first-Test defeat in Centurion, while Root, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes spent time off the field.

All-rounder Woakes has been declared fit for the third Test at Port Elizabeth, but there are still doubts over pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.

Archer missed the second Test with a right elbow injury, while Wood has long-standing knee and side injuries.

Five-day Tests are precious - Giles
Both Archer and Wood bowled in Sunday's practice, with Archer doing so at a reduced pace.

Leach has recovered from illness but his Somerset team-mate Dom Bess, who took two wickets in the second Test, is expected to keep his place ahead of him.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has apologised for swearing at South Africa pace bowler Vernon Philander during the last Test.

Buttler was fined 15% of his match fee after he was heard on the stump microphone using an obscenity during England's thrilling 189-run win.

"As role models we have a duty to behave in a certain way," Buttler told Test Match Special.

"It's just one of those things, the heat of the moment and a bit of red mist.

"In Test cricket there are lots of high emotions at times and things can be said that don't necessarily mean anything."



https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/51081733
 
If Root misses a big Test Match and England do well / win, it could be a blessing in disguise and good for us in the long run.

England fans can rarely agree on anything, but one proposition that I am finding strong (albeit not universal) agreement upon at the moment is that most of us would like Root to step down from the captaincy and concentrate purely on his batting.
 
England spinner Jack Leach is to return home with immediate effect from England’s tour of South Africa.

The Somerset left arm spinner, who has struggled to fully recover from sepsis he picked up during the tour of New Zealand in November and was also struck with gastroenteritis and flu ahead of the first Test at Centurion last month, has not been able to reach the expected levels of fitness to be considered for selection.

The England medical team, in consultation with Leach, felt to recover fully it would be beneficial for him to return to the United Kingdom. He will leave South Africa on Thursday.

“It has been an unfortunate time for Jack with illness and since the Test series in New Zealand six weeks ago, he hasn’t been able to get 100 per cent fit,” said England head coach Chris Silverwood.

“This has hampered his preparation in South Africa and despite his best endeavours he is not in a position to make himself available for selection for the final two Test matches.

“He is a great lad to have around the squad and his infectious personality and popularity will be missed. However, his focus has to be getting himself better and receiving the optimum levels of recovery and treatment, which is best served back in England without any distractions.

“I have no doubt that he will return to full fitness in the medium-term and hopefully he will recover in time for our tour of Sri Lanka in March.”
 
England will decide between Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes for the final spot in their team to take on South Africa in the third Test, which begins on Thursday.

One of the pace bowlers will replace James Anderson, who was injured in the second Test win in Cape Town.

"The good thing is we have three guys who are very skilful," captain Joe Root told BBC Sport.

"They will be doing everything they can to make sure they are ready to go."

The four-Test series is level at 1-1.

Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, suffered a rib injury that has ruled him out of the rest of the series.

Archer played in the first Test, but missed the second with an elbow problem.

Like Archer, Wood offers extreme pace, as well as reverse swing, but has not played for England since the World Cup final in July after having knee surgery.

Woakes last played in the second Test against New Zealand in December. Along with Archer and Wood, he was struck down with the illness that hit the England squad before and during the first Test defeat at Centurion Park.

"They're all coming back from injuries or illness," added Root. "It's really important we give them the opportunity to make sure we really know where we're at.

"The guys have fronted up to the practice days that they've had so far."

The victory in the second Test was England's first in Cape Town since 1957 and was achieved with five players aged 24 or under. All of the five - Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Sam Curran and Dom Bess - are set to play in Port Elizabeth.

"Your best win is your next one, but that was a very enjoyable one," said Root of the success in Cape Town.

"It was a massive moment for us, to level it up. It gives us nothing going into this game other than momentum and we have to make sure we follow that up.

"From a young team, it's really important that we don't live off that win for the rest of this tour. We have to try to try to exceed it."

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was fined following the second Test after stump microphones caught him swearing at South Africa's Vernon Philander.

"Jos has taken his reprimand and apologised. He knows that's not the sort of language you want to be using on the cricket field," said Root.

"You don't want to take away that niggle, that competitive element that brings the best out of players on the field. Getting the balance right, using the right language, but being competitive is still a good thing. You don't want to completely sanitise the game, but we know our responsibilities.

"In a way you'd like him to choose his words more carefully, but as a captain it shows how much it means to him."

England's Cape Town win was sealed on the final evening by three late wickets from Ben Stokes, who also struck 72 from 47 balls in the second innings.

That followed a stellar 2019, when he was named man of the match in the World Cup final and hit an incredible century to take England to victory in the third Ashes Test at Headingley.

On Wednesday he was was named as the International Cricket Council's player of the year.

"It's hands down the right decision," said Root. "For me, at the moment, he's the best player in the world.

"He's an invaluable member of our squad as a senior player and a role model."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/51121880
 
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