England v South Africa | 1st Test | The Oval | Jul 19-23, 2012

[Fawad2010]

Let the battle for No. 1 commence​

The Preview by Alan Gardner
July 18, 2012

Match facts

Thursday, July 19
Start time 1100 (1000 GMT)

Andrew Strauss and Graeme Smith will lead their sides in contesting the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy © Getty Images​

Big Picture

This series could be all about cart-wheeling stumps, bonce-bothering bouncers and catches in the cordon, as the world's two best bowling attacks go head to head in conditions favourable to pace and swing. It could also be overshadowed by the weather and the Olympics, with its attendant bureaucratic bungling, amid grumbles about the inadequacies of a three-Test series. For now, we can savour the prospect of a potentially thrilling clash between the two best sides in Test cricket - even if the rankings would perversely deny the fact.

Despite the ICC's annual recalculation dropping South Africa to third, victory in the series would lift them above England to No. 1 - a position they last occupied, briefly, in 2009. Graeme Smith was the last touring captain to secure victory in England, going back to the historic series success of 2008, and South Africa are also unbeaten away from home since losing a two-Test rubber to Sri Lanka in 2006. With four batsmen - AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and Smith - in the top ten, they have a top-order on which to build a successful campaign; in Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, the bowlers to torment England in a manner they are more used to dishing out.

South Africa's last two tours have resulted in the end of an England captain's tenure but, fortified by back-to-back Test hundreds against West Indies, Andrew Strauss will fancy his chances of ending the hoodoo. Under Strauss and Andy Flower, England have become ruthless bullies in their own conditions, winning seven home series in a row. The quicks are programmed to bowl and relentless line and length - something which South Africa's attack are still adjusting to - and in Graeme Swann, England may hold the trump spin card. His fitness after a twinge in his troublesome right elbow, as well as The Oval's receptiveness to spin, could be a determining factor in the first Test.

Posturing aside, there will be a touch of sadness when the teams take the field, at the absence of Mark Boucher, who was set to reach 150 caps and more than 1,000 dismissals in international cricket during the series. Both teams have plenty of motivation but neither is confident enough to mutter "you guys are history" just yet.

Form guide

England DWWWL (most recent first)
South Africa DWDWL

Watch out for

England's No. 6 is just about the only area of long-standing uncertainty in the side and, after Jonny Bairstow's difficult introduction to Test cricket against West Indies, Ravi Bopara has been given another chance to establish himself in the middle order. He enjoyed a successful ODI series against Australia and seems more comfortable about meriting his place, though he is often a slow starter and South Africa's bowlers won't give him any help in getting going.

AB de Villiers is one of South Africa's most accomplished batsmen but he will have to perform both in front of and behind the stumps, in the wake of Boucher's enforced retirement. De Villiers said he is looking forward to a rest whilst wearing the wicketkeeper's gloves, rather than running around at point, but there will be greater demands on his concentration, not to mention his back. His record as ODI keeper suggests he may be up to the challenge.

Pitch and conditions

This will be the first Test pitch produced by The Oval's new head groundsman, Lee Fortis. Spinners have often prospered here, though more often at the back end of the season, and given the damp summer thus far the surface could be lower and more seam friendly than before. The forecast is grey and rain-spattered, which will probably have both sets of bowlers sniffing around the toss.

Team news

After a month away from international cricket, Kevin Pietersen returns to the England fold, while Bopara finally gets his opportunity at No. 6 - barring a stubbed toe or ricked neck between now and 11am tomorrow. With Graham Onions nursing a tight hamstring, England's only decision is likely to be between Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn for the third bowler's spot.

England (possible) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Ravi Bopara, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Tim Bresnan, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James Anderson

The shock departure of Boucher from the touring party aside, South Africa are a settled team. De Villiers is expected to take the gloves, with JP Duminy, who scored a century on his last outing, coming in to add depth to the batting as well as a back-up spin option. Alviro Petersen has recovered from a foot problem, so Jacques Rudolph remains at No. 6.

South Africa (possible) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Alviro Petersen, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 AB de Villiers (wk), 6 Jacques Rudolph, 7 JP Duminy, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir

Stats and trivia

- South Africa have not won in 13 visits to The Oval, losing their last three

- This is the earliest an Oval Test has been held since 1983, when New Zealand began a four-match series in south London on July 14
Andrew Strauss needs 70 runs to reach 7,000 in Tests and one century to equal the England record of 22, jointly held by Wally Hammond, Colin Cowdrey and Geoffrey Boycott

- Graeme Smith is set to play his 100th Test but it will only be his 99th for South Africa, as he captained the ICC World XI against Australia in 2005

Quotes

"The rankings say we are number one but we've got to go out there and prove it."

Andrew Strauss, England's captain, is not resting on his laurels

"There's a real feeling of contentment and clarity. We're at the point where we want to be and just want this series to start now."

Graeme Smith, South Africa's captain, is keen to get going



© ESPN EMEA Ltd.



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http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/572925.html

A little over 12 hours to go, I'm very excited for this series, hence the premature thread

 

[ares1000]

I cant wait. The 2 best sides in the world, playing for #1 spot.

Favour SA here.

 

[Fawad2010]

Battle of the bowlers set to commence

ESPNcricinfo runs the rule over the key battles that could decide the England v South Africa series
​

George Dobell and Firdose Moonda
July 18, 2012

James Anderson will be striving to come out on top of the battle of the best seam bowlers in the world
© Getty Images​

James Anderson v Dale Steyn

A glance at the statistics might convince you there is no comparison here: while Steyn, rated as the No. 1 bowler in Test cricket at present, possesses the best strike-rate for any bowler with more than 250 Test wickets (he takes a wicket every 40.9 balls, on average), Anderson's Test bowling average remains above 30 and his strike-rate is 57.2. They have different styles, too. As Anderson put it, Steyn is "probably more aggressive, a bit quicker, he swings the ball late, probably a bit more attacking whereas my role is a holding job at times."

Yet, they also have much in common. Each will lead the attack for their side. Each will swing the new ball conventionally and reverse swing the old ball and each will pose huge problems for the opposition's top order.

Steyn is the quicker by some distance, but Anderson's skills, though more subtle, are no less dangerous. He has excellent control, he has the ability to seam and swing the ball both ways, and he has become adept at working to plans and exploiting batsmen's weaknesses. Over the last few years, Anderson's bowling Test average has dropped swiftly: up until the end of 2007, it was 39.20, but since then it is 27.28. He is currently rated No. 3 in the Test bowling rankings.

There is history here, too. At Leeds in 2008, Steyn gave Anderson a fearful barrage and hit him on the helmet with one bouncer. Anderson responded, unlikely though it sounds, by breaking Steyn's thumb with a fierce return drive. How each batting line-up deals with the challenge of Anderson and Steyn may go a long way to shaping the series.

Graeme Swann v Imran Tahir

On the face of it, Swann looks to have a clear advantage in the battle of the spinners. Despite being just three days older than Tahir, Swann has played 37 more Tests and has an excellent record in pretty much all conditions. He is rated No. 8 in the Test rankings and has helped revive the dying art of conventional off-spin. Swann's versatility is key for England. Even on pitches offering him little, he has the discipline and control to allow his captain to rest and rotate the seamers. His record against left-handers is exceptional.

Tahir's Test record looks modest. He has played only seven Tests and has yet to excel. While he his blessed with all the variations a leg-spin bowler requires, there are some doubts about his patience and ability to fulfil a containing role when required. His experience in English conditions should help, though. He has represented four counties and, as a first-class strike-rate of 47.5 shows, has a fine record as an attacking spin bowler. Given some help from the pitches - something he has not enjoyed so far in his Test career - he could prove a dangerous bowler for an England side with a chequered record of playing good-quality spin. If England can get after him, however, it will be interesting to see how Smith handles the situation.

Andrew Strauss v Graeme Smith

Two experienced men who, as opening batsmen, lead from the front but also face their own struggles with the bat. Smith's record in England is superb - he averages 72.20 in Tests here - and, as captain, he has already inflicted series defeats that played a part in the demise of two England captains, Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain. The Oval Test will be his 100th - his 99th for South Africa plus the ICC World XI Test in 2005 - and, while neither he nor Strauss are known for their tactical genius, they both offer leadership, stability and composure under pressure. Strauss will, injury permitting, play his 100th Test at Lord's.

Both have faced significant personal troubles with the bat though. Smith can struggle with his balance and, as a result, can be susceptible to the swinging ball early in his innings, while Strauss has recently returned to form after a long barren run that was beginning to threaten his place. How each of them weather the substantial challenges their opponents' new ball attacks will throw at them will not just ease the burden on the middle order, but may also have an impact on the morale of the respective dressing rooms.

Ravi Bopara v Jacques Rudolph

Bopara and Rudolph both impressed early in their Test careers, but then suffered setbacks and have waited a long time for their second opportunity. It may also prove that neither have too long to cement their positions. Bopara, who scored three successive centuries in his fourth, fifth and sixth Tests, has been on the edge of the England side for 18 months only for injury to intervene. Now, on the back of several encouraging performances in limited-overs cricket and having remained one of the class performers in the county game, he has another chance to revive a Test career that was almost destroyed in the Ashes of 2009. Now he has the chance to answer all the lingering questions about his talent and temperament. While not in the same class of bowler as Kallis, Bopara is also an underrated bowler who will ease the burden on England's seamers.

Rudolph, meanwhile, returned to the South Africa side in November after five years developing his game in county cricket. Despite making a double-century on Test debut in 2003, questions remain about his ability to deal with the short ball, the moving ball and his concentration. He has only once passed 52 in his eight Tests since returning to Test cricket.

AB de Villiers the batsman v AB de Villiers the 'keeper

It seems that for at least the first Test, de Villiers will face double the workload. He is set to bat at No. 5 and wear the wicket-keeping gloves. With a history of back problems, he has already started preventative physiotherapy to stop anything before it starts, but knows he will have to be extra careful. He has already done the job in ODIs and Twenty20s, including in the IPL, and it has aided rather than inhibited his batting. Doing it for prolonged periods of time, as he will have to in a Test match, is a different matter.

There is some fear that de Villiers will not be able to maintain his form in a crucial position in the line-up, something he hinted at himself just over two years ago when he said his main goal was to be the world's best batsman and that could mean abandoning ambitions of being a wicketkeeper as well. This time, he has no choice. With Mark Boucher's enforced retirement and team management against rushing the specialist Thami Tsolekile into the starting XI, de Villiers will have twin responsibilities and how he manages them could be series-defining for South Africa.

Vernon Philander v expectation

Being up against it is nothing new to Philander. He was expected him to bomb out in his Test debut, he responded with 5 for 15 against Australia. He was expected to toil without success at the Wanderers, he responded with another five-wicket haul. He was expected to fizzle out against Sri Lanka but two more five-fors came and when he was expected to make less of an impact in New Zealand, he become the fastest bowler to 50 Test wickets in over a hundred years. Now, Philander is again thought to have a point to prove, this time against the world's No. 1 ranked Test side and in conditions he has only known briefly. He isn't fazed by the new challenge and insists that if he sticks to his line outside off and is able to make use of movement, the rest will come. Obviously.

Slip cordon v slip cordon

James Anderson said that a brilliant one-handed catch may be what decides the series. Jacques Kallis was more general and said "key moments" would separate the teams. The margins could well be in the slips, where England have let a few through and South Africa have been known to hang on. England put down three catches in the third Test against West Indies and have been questioned for the lapses in that department. South Africa's trio usually consists of Graeme Smith, Kallis and de Villiers, but with de Villiers likely to take the gloves, Jacques Rudolph will probably move into third slip. It will mean a change from the norm but with Mile Young conducting the fielding drills, it is unlikely to mean any drop in the usual standards.

Pietersen v Kallis

The bowling attacks have dominated pre-series hype but for bowlers to achieve success, batsmen have to fail. Therefore whoever manages not to may well have the deciding say in the contest. Pietersen and Kallis are totally different batsmen, in approach, technique and mindset, but both are key to their sides' chances. South Africa have identified Pietersen as the man to get out early not because he is capable of scoring bit runs but because he is able to do that quickly, which could throw the bowlers off their plans. Nothing fires him up like playing against the country of his birth and Pietersen will want to make a statement against them, again. Kallis has been South Africa's immovable pillar for more than 15 years but his record in England leaves something to be desired. On what is likely his last visit to the country, he will want to leave having made an impact in the only way he knows how - with the bat.

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

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http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/572914.html

 

[ares1000]

In Steyn, Morkel, Philander et al, SA have too much fire power. Sad to see De Lange injured.

 

[0tt0man]

I get a feeling Imran Tahir will I Done ajmal) the English batsmen. His bowling style reminds me of Mushy's somewhat.

 

[Fawad2010]

A Test series that cricket needs​

David Hopps
July 18, 2012

Andrew Strauss keeps his problems behind him © PA Photos​

In an age of hyperbole and a time of superlatives, it is gratifying to come across a sporting contest that requires neither sensationalism nor propaganda. The Test series between England and South Africa features six of the world's top 10 Test bowlers and eight of the top 17 Test batsmen. It will decide which team is ranked No 1 in the world. As Tony Blair so nearly said, now is not the time for soundbites, but the hand of history is upon our shoulders.

This is the series that world cricket required. At a time when the lure of the longest format has been compromised and questioned, the global game should rejoice at the sight of two fine sides contesting a meaningful series in front of packed houses. Cricket has many issues, of course, but this encounter should remind us all that, at its best, Test cricket remains as entertaining, as captivating and as rewarding as ever.

That it is squeezed in between ODI series and forced to fight for media space alongside the Olympics, The Open golf championship and a multitude of other sporting events tells you much about cricket's current challenges. This series deserves better. But, in a sport which has grown so used to compromises that it would pawn its soul if only a buyer could be found, it is telling that such a contest has been condensed and pushed to the margins.

Plenty of fine teams have toured England over the years. Sometimes, as was the case with West Indies and Australia for many years, they succeeded with dispiriting ease. But, arguably anyway, you have to go back to 2005 to find a time when an England team has taken on such good-quality opposition in such an open series. With skilful bowlers of all types, eye-catching batsmen, at least one great all-rounder and some of the toughest batsmen currently playing the game, spectators will not require cheerleaders, fireworks or music to enhance their enjoyment. This series is about cricket, not marketing.

The only problem with such a high-profile clash is that the result may be seen as all important. There is a bigger picture here, though, as the supporters of South Africa and England will understand. South Africa were barred from international competition from 1970 to 1991; England supporters became inured to embarrassment after some grim years in the 1980s and 90s. For both teams, these are golden days that many feared might never have returned. Win lose or draw over the coming few weeks, that is worth remembering.

That is not to say that the result does not matter. It matters plenty. While England may have been able to dismiss the reverse in the UAE as an aberration - they will have another opportunity to answer the questions about their ability in Asian conditions soon enough - their long-term hopes of creating a legacy by which other England sides will be judged may be fatally wounded if their proud home record is also tarnished. As things stand, they have won just one of their last three Test series. If that becomes one in four, any claims of supremacy will ring hollow. The rankings state they are No. 1; now is the time to prove their worth.

England do not, perhaps, have the flair of their South African rivals. But they make few mistakes. They are professional. They are well drilled, well led and able to prey on any weakness of their opponents. In England, at least, they also have an excellent record. They have won seven successive series and lost only two since 2001; one to India in 2007 and one to South Africa in 2008.

Led by the eminently calm and sensible Andrew Strauss, England have done nothing different in recent days. They always want to win. they always prepare professionally.

"There will be an extra bit of spice because it's the two best teams in the world," Andrew Strauss, England's captain, said. "But every series I've played against South Africa has always been keenly contested and I don't think this will be any different.

"It will be a good gauge for us. The rankings say we are No.1 and we have to go out and prove that now. It is going to be a stern challenge, but we always expect the opposition to be hard to overcome.

"We have had our normal preparations. Everything on the surface looks fine. Our preparation has been solid and now it's a case of moving from preparation mode to game mode."

England's only selection decision will be the decision over whether to pick Tim Bresnan or Steven Finn. Graham Onions, who has a minor hamstring strain, is most unlikely to be risked and did not train on Wednesday. Whoever they select, Strauss was quick to credit the attack as one of England's key strengths.

"I am very comfortable with our bowling attack," Strauss said. "It's a match for any side in the world. They have proved that continuously over the last three or four years.

"Their record speaks for itself. We haven't needed that fifth bowler while taking 20 wickets pretty much continuously over the last 24 months or so. In some ways Ravi Bopara coming into the side gives you opportunity for a fourth seamer although he's not an out-and-out bowler clearly. But our three seamers and Swanny have always done a good job for us."

England do have two potential weaknesses, though. The first is their catching which, in the slips and gully region, has been distinctly fallible over recent times. In a series which could be decided by small margins, that could prove crucial.

The other issue is the on-going distraction caused by the fall-out between Pietersen and the ECB. Omitted from England's World T20 preliminary squad despite his insistence that he is available for all three formats - albeit it not on a permanent basis - there is legitimate concern that Pietersen's dissatisfaction could cause discomfort in a dressing room that has been stable and focused for several years.

But, while some of his team-mates are biting their tongues hard to avoid losing their tempers with Pietersen's vacillating moods, Strauss insisted that he had no concerns and said he remained hopeful that a compromise - a controversial word in itself in this situation - could be reached whereby Pietersen's return to all formats could be brokered.

"The conversations that Kevin has been having have been between himself, his representatives and the board," Strauss said. "The players haven't been involved, the management haven't been involved and that's the way we'd like it to remain. It hasn't been a distraction for us. It hasn't entered our thinking and that's enabled us to concentrate on preparing properly for this game. Kevin is determined to do well in this series. I haven't seen any signs in his preparations to suggest he is anyway distracted."


© ESPN EMEA Ltd.


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http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/572926.html

 

[ares1000]

I get a feeling Imran Tahir will I Done ajmal) the English batsmen. His bowling style reminds me of Mushy's somewhat.

Hell nah.

Immy is alright. But he doesnt have great variation.

 

[0tt0man]

Hell nah.

Immy is alright. But he doesnt have great variation.

Tahir bowls his googlies as often as Ajmal bowls his doosra. He has a lot of variation in his armoury. The slider, the top spinner and the faster one I've witnessed his bowling.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Finally the wait is over. Don't remember any other series I've waited for so long which didn't include India.

 

[Jo_Don]

Yikes, Strauss looks like a paedophile in that pic :/

Anyway 1 more sleep, can't wait!

 

[James]

England usually do well at the Oval.

Come on England!

 

[Jo_Don]

Good luck James, Robert and Ruri (not that I mean it, but in the spirit of good gamesmanship )

Go Proteas!

 

[KingKhanWC]

Two top class test match sides, best of luck to both.

Saffers having Duminy at 7 look a very strong batting line up. England will be hoping for a bit of juice in the pitch or it could be long day in the field if they bowl first.

Finn over Bresnan for me.

 

[JilaWatan]

jeez the game is 12 hours away... you guys make these threads wayyyyy to early


but... yeah im all for RSA, about time they get a chance a be the no 1 team

 

[speed]

British weather issed:issed:issed:

 

[cricketworm]

Yup, sadly, most likely we may have result of only 1 test out of 3.

 

[leatherface58]

Was seriously disappointed the way the 3 subcontinental sides played in England. Hope Saffers put on a better show.

 

[Bullet Drive]

Was seriously disappointed the way the 3 subcontinental sides played in England. Hope Saffers put on a better show.

Pakistan had a bad tour but weren't as bad as India & SL. We atleast won a test. We also had an inexperienced team. 2 young guys making their debut. Umar Akmal finding his feet in int cricket. Not a consistent team yet we still won a test and were looking good at Lords until that brilliant partnership.

Anyway will be great to watch! Not long to go.

 

[Anfield]

Pakistan had a bad tour but weren't as bad as India & SL. We atleast won a test. We also had an inexperienced team. 2 young guys making their debut. Umar Akmal finding his feet in int cricket. Not a consistent team yet we still won a test and were looking good at Lords until that brilliant partnership.

Anyway will be great to watch! Not long to go.

well to be fair Sri lanka was the most competitive side amongst all three. (not counting Bang for obvious reasons) Yes we won a test match but we were awful most of the time with bat. We never seemed like a formidable team while batting. So many times we got shot under 100 and 150..

 

[Anfield]

jeez the game is 12 hours away... you guys make these threads wayyyyy to early


but... yeah im all for RSA, about time they get a chance a be the no 1 team

you think this easrly? didn't you see the "your playing XI vs Aus" thread? still good 45 days left in that match!

 

[leatherface58]

Pakistan had a bad tour but weren't as bad as India & SL. We atleast won a test. We also had an inexperienced team. 2 young guys making their debut. Umar Akmal finding his feet in int cricket. Not a consistent team yet we still won a test and were looking good at Lords until that brilliant partnership.

Anyway will be great to watch! Not long to go.

yeah but consistently getting bowled out for under 100 was depressing to watch. Admittedly the bowling was quality but there was nothing regarding batting worth mentioning except for a throwaway knock here and there.

Lankans had one horrible session. Else it would have been 0-0

Indians....

 

[Namak_Halaal]

I've got a funny feeling we will be seeing a collapse tommorow.

 

[ares1000]

For England, openers and KP have a huge responsibility. Eng wil face a really world class attack for the first time in ages.

 

[Bullet Drive]

For England, openers and KP have a huge responsibility. Eng wil face a really world class attack for the first time in ages.

It wasn't that long ago they faced Pakistan!

 

[ares1000]

When Pak had Asif and Amir, yes. But in these conditions, our attack now isnt a great one.

 

[Bilal7]

I've got a funny feeling we will be seeing a collapse tommorow.

For which team?
England look the more collapse-prone side but playing in England makes them that much better.

Go South Africa, try not to choke please, it's not funny anymore.

 

[Ironcat]

It looks like the ICC updates rankings only after each series - and not each match.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

It looks like the ICC updates rankings only after each series - and not each match.

It takes a series win or loss into account aswell so the ratings can't be calculated until after a series. If I recall correctly you get an extra points for winning a series as well as the margin of victory.

 

[Robert]

Good luck James, Robert and Ruri (not that I mean it, but in the spirit of good gamesmanship )

Blue skies over London this morning, but I expect the clouds and rain to march in quickly. I don't see a result in this test match.

 

[Random Aussie]

As someone who remembers South African exile from sport - and their resurrection in the 90s, it is truly fantastic for the reborn South African nation to have fourteen players playing in London in the biggest Test series of the year. I wish them all good luck and may they do their country proud.

Cant wait for this one

 

[*syed59*]

With South Africa on this one.

Really looking forward to watch some breathtaking bowling spells...from all bowlers really. Each and every bowler in this series is so effective on his respective day.

 

[Lara400]

Really looking forward to this, can't remember last watching quality cricket, such are the state of affairs in this sport. So quite excited! Alma better come good, It's his batting that I'm keen on.

 

[AdidasBeard]

Blue skies in my corner of London this morning. That dastardly jet stream must have finally shifted northwards. Forecast is generally good for the next 5 days although still the odd shower expected. Betting prices for this test indicate England win 35% chance draw 40% SA win 25%. Everything points towards a highly enjoyable 5 days!

 

[style_guru]

Hi everyone!!
So did anyone there had a chance to see the pitch? How does it look? Is it a bat first wicket?

 

[Robert]

As someone who remembers South African exile from sport - and their resurrection in the 90s, it is truly fantastic for the reborn South African nation to have fourteen players playing in London in the biggest Test series of the year. I wish them all good luck and may they do their country proud.

Just think, if Australia imported a couple of of Saffers too, you might win the Ashes back some time in the next decade.

 

[PIE_CHUCKER]

Realy looking forward to todays match, and the weather seems fair.

I think South Africa attack could/should trouble England. Realy looking forward to seeing how Cook will go against Steyn. That will show how good Cook is!!

But I think England bowlers will roll over South Africa batsmen.

England to win 2-0.

 

[ahamedirshad123]

 

[Amjid Javed]

Been looking forward to this series for a while. Initially fancied S.A to win this but bouchers injury and the fact Morne morkel has looked woefull on tour so far and Tahir is unlikely to trouble englands batsmen i would now say a 1-1 drawn series is my prediction.

 

[Ironcat]

Andrew Strauss keeps his problems behind him © PA Photos​

Though that looks like a tall order...

 

[Ruri]

I hate when tosses are delayed. Especially since it is just a cloud. Come on, what's going on? Who will bowl first? I've got to get back to work soon.

 

[style_guru]

Anyone at the ground? How's the weather like?

 

[Namak_Halaal]

Interesting fact: Hussain and Vaughan resigned after Smith captained SA in England in 2003, and 2008 respectively.

This is why Smith’s nick name is ‘The Captain Slayer’.

Will Smith consume his third English Captain?

 

[Ruri]

England to bat first. Will be tough with the overhead conditions, but will bring Swann to the fore if the Oval pitch plays like it usually does in the 4th innings. But they will have to avoid getting ripped apart by Morkel and Dale Steyn early.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

England have batting capability all the way to number 10 without sacrificing bowling strength.

Fantastic line up on paper.

 

[Shayan]

England have batting capability all the way to number 10 without sacrificing bowling strength.

Fantastic line up on paper.

Agreed, although with Duminy at 7, South Africa's batting lineup is pretty long too. They don't have the all-round abilities of Bresnan, Swann and Broad, but I can imagine Steyn and Morkel running through those 3 fairly quickly.

 

[style_guru]

England won the toss and elected to bat first on the first day of the first match, in overcast conditions, against the likes of Steyn and Morkel. Brave decision i would say. But one that could come back to bite on it's rear.

 

[style_guru]

England's lucky charm Bresnan in, Finn out.

 

[Strike!]

Will the first day be washed out?

 

[style_guru]

TEAMS:-

England: Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Bopara, Prior, Bresnan, Broad, Swann, Anderson.

South Africa: Smith, Petersen, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers, Rudolph, Duminy, Steyn, Morkel, Tahir, Philander.

 

[leatherface58]

damn my cable connection is out. issed:

Sent from my MT11i using Tapatalk 2

 

[Shayan]

Don't forget Philander here, I have a gut feeling England's top order will struggle more against him than Steyn.

 

[IAJ]

You just have to like Nasser Hussain. Probably the most unbiased commentator out there.

 

[Moh@n]

A Test series that cricket needs​

David Hopps
July 18, 2012

Andrew Strauss keeps his problems behind him © PA Photos​

--------------
http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-south-africa-2012/content/current/story/572926.html

)

Look at the caption on that picture. I wonder if the pun is intended.

 

[IAJ]

Don't forget Philander here, I have a gut feeling England's top order will struggle more against him than Steyn.

Yeah seems like the pundits in the studio merely concentrating on pace of Steyn and bounce of Morkel.

But I am sure Strauss & co have done their homework, but Philander seems to be a very good bowlers so this is going to be very exiting.

 

[SOSami]

Wow.

Smith, Amla, Kallis, ABDV.

Cokers or not, that is a formidable quartet.

 

[Ruri]

Edge of my seat, we could be two down by the end of the first over.

 

[Ruri]

Morkel to face his bunny!

 

[saj001]

Strauss gone

 

[duostyle]

This is going to be awesome.

 

[Ruri]

Yep, Strauss gone to one coming in, lol, completely expected.

 

[IAJ]

The good thing with SA is that they wont give you many lives. The best fielding side in the world.

Review time

 

[IAJ]

 

[Bilal7]

England in trouble. Captain goes.

 

[Alexander]

and Strauss is gone...lol

 

[Jo_Don]

Morne gets his bunny first over

 

[talha3]

Strauss gone! Great review. It looked good to me in real time. I think the delayed appeal from Morkel caused the umpire to give it not out.

Either way, SA strike blood first.

 

[DHONI183]

Not impressed by England´s decision to bat first here.

 

[Shayan]

I was about to write that I'm surprised Morkel is opening the bowling. Philander has had all his success with the new ball, and relies on swing, so I expected him to start off with Steyn.

 

[Ruri]

Not impressed by England´s decision to bat first here.

I would have preferred bowling first to take advantage of the overcast conditions, but it's dry, and it's a spinner's wicket on day 4/5, and I'm sure that England would rather use their spinner's advantage.

 

[Ruri]

I was about to write that I'm surprised Morkel is opening the bowling. Philander has had all his success with the new ball, and relies on swing, so I expected him to start off with Steyn.

I expect Steyn to get over 3, Morkel was probably brought on to prise out Strauss early with his weakness to left arm pace.

 

[style_guru]

Big blow for England.

 

[Jo_Don]

Philander's getting some decent movement, with Steyn still to come. I have a feeling they made the wrong decision to bat first.

 

[Shayan]

I was about to write that I'm surprised Morkel is opening the bowling. Philander has had all his success with the new ball, and relies on swing, so I expected him to start off with Steyn.

Interesting move, Steyn not opening.

 

[Ruri]

Philander's getting some decent movement, with Steyn still to come. I have a feeling they made the wrong decision to bowl first.

To bat first you mean?

 

[Sidcricfan]

Strauss out in the first over!!!

 

[Shayan]

I expect Steyn to get over 3, Morkel was probably brought on to prise out Strauss early with his weakness to left arm pace.

I'd be surprised if that happens, surely a fast bowler doesn't want to get warm for just one over?

 

[Sidcricfan]

No Steyn with new ball!?

 

[style_guru]

Captain Cook is a strong candidate for LBW.

 

[Ruri]

Nope, Morkel still on. Fascinating.

 

[Jo_Don]

To bat first you mean?

Yep, I ninja edited but you were too quick