England vs South Africa four match Test series (2017)

[MenInG]

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today named Multiply Titans opening batsman, Heino Kuhn, and Hollywoodbets Dolphins all-rounder, Andile Phehlukwayo, as uncapped players in the Standard Bank Proteas Test squad for the four-match Test Series against England, starting next month.

They take the places of Stephen Cook and Wayne Parnell respectively from the squad that played the last series against New Zealand. Dane Piedt also drops out as the selectors have only named one specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj.

A third uncapped player, Aiden Markram of the Multiply Titans, has also been included to provide batting cover for Faf du Plessis.

Dean Elgar will captain the side in the warm-up match and will stand in for Du Plessis in the first Test match if the latter is not available for selection.

“Heino Kuhn has shown outstanding form for South Africa A on their recent tour of England which included a double century in the four-day match against Hampshire and a further century against the England Lions,” commented CSA Selection Convener, Linda Zondi. “He certainly deserved his place on consistent form which also includes back-to-back Sunfoil Series seasons.

“Andile’s selection is a continuation of our drive to develop bowling all-rounders for the Test team. He and Chris Morris will fill this role in support of Vernon Philander. At the age of 21 he is certainly one for the future.

“Dean has impressed with his contribution as a member of the leadership group,” concluded Zondi.

Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Temba Bavuma (Cape Cobras), Theunis de Bruyn (VKB Knights), Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Dean Elgar (Multiply Titans), Heino Kuhn (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), Morne Morkel (Multiply Titans), Chris Morris (Multiply Titans), Duanne Olivier (VKB Knights), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions).

 

[TahirFan]

Heino Kuhn is 34 years old and is clueless against spin. The Proteas should have given one of the youngsters a chance

Phehlukwayo is 21 years old and a great allrounder with great potential.

 

[aloo paratha]

Heino Kuhn is 34 years old and is clueless against spin. The Proteas should have given one of the youngsters a chance

Phehlukwayo is 21 years old and a great allrounder with great potential.

I feel like, if Phelukwayo coul bowl 140 hes'd suddenly become much better, he's always expensive in ODIs which is a problem, don't think he should bowl his full quota for ODIs, have no idea about tests.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Heino Kuhn is 34 years old and is clueless against spin. The Proteas should have given one of the youngsters a chance

Phehlukwayo is 21 years old and a great allrounder with great potential.

Why don't they give young Markram a chance?

 

[Hasan123]

Be interesting to see if South Africa opt for 4 bowlers or 5.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Kinda feel sorry for Stephen Cook. It was heartwarming to see him get selected after 15 years of toil in domestic cricket, and in his first few matches he added some solidity to the South African top order. He also scored a great hundred against the Australians in the day-night test at Adelaide last year.

I can't blame the selectors for dropping him in all fairness, his tendency to fall over against the inswinger and play across the line did lead to a string of low scores against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. An average of 33 across 11 matches isn't anything to write about as well.

But it serves South African cricket very little if they choose to replace him with another veteran off the first class circuit who will also likely get found out within 10 matches. The gulf in class is simply too high and it's unfair to expect players such as Cook or Kuhn to make that adjustment at this stage of their careers. It will serve South African cricket much more if they blood in a youngster such as Markram instead.

 

[wasimjunior]

Heino Kuhn is 34 years old and is clueless against spin. The Proteas should have given one of the youngsters a chance

Phehlukwayo is 21 years old and a great allrounder with great potential.

Andile is world class. Probably one of the most exciting young guys in the game but underrated because he can't bowl 90mph.

 

[MenInG]

Standard Bank Proteas opening batsman, Heino Kuhn, plans to keep the same mindset and approach that has brought him success in the upcoming four-match Test series against England starting next week. Kuhn’s debut Test call-up comes on the back of two successful seasons for the Multiply Titans and more recently for South Africa ‘A’ against the England Lions, where he finished as the standout performer in a disappointing series.

Kuhn is under no illusion of the challenges of opening in the UK, but hopes the experience of 133 first-class caps – with an impressive average of 44.71- will be an advantage he can use towards further success. He has waited a long time for the call-up, but in the process has scored nearly 10 000 runs with a high-score of 244 not out, establishing himself as a franchise veteran.

“Rather late than never,” The 33-year-old said of his selection in Worcester on Tuesday. “I have matured a lot over the years as a batter and as a cricketer. I believe everything happens for a reason and maybe five years ago wasn’t my time. I’m happy to be here and I’m looking forward to this challenge.

“I’m going to try and approach it like I do with every game,” he explained. “ I know there is going to be a bit more pressure, especially if I make my debut, but it will be important to see it like it’s any other game.

“Opening the batting everywhere is quite tough but it is a lot more challenging in South Africa and England. My job is to take the newness off the ball, I’ll have to try and leave as well as I can, know where my off-stump is and take it from there.”

The Test squad began their preparation for the three-day warm-up match against England Lions with a light training session at New Road in Worcester on Tuesday. The match, which starts on Thursday, will carry first-class status.

 

[KhalidRafi]

Time for Stephen Cook to go Kolpak

 

[MenInG]

The Standard Bank Proteas amp up their Test match preparation with a three-day warm-up match against the England Lions starting at New Road in Worcester on Thursday. Dean Elgar will captain the side in the absence of Faf du Plessis, who is awaiting the birth of his first child.

This is the only match opportunity for the squad ahead of the first Test match against England starting at Lord’s in London on July 6th. The majority of the squad has been in action with either the limited-overs squads or South Africa ‘A’, which opens up the opportunity to build a competitive edge against quality opposition.

“We have to compete,” Dean Elgar said in Worcester on Wednesday. “We have to compete against a very good England Lions side. To get that competitive edge will be a big thing for us. Naturally the guys will have that instinct in them so we have an important three days, weather permitting.

“We have to crack on tomorrow and hit the ground running,” he added. “In my opinion the series starts tomorrow. It’s going to be vital for us to have three good days of cricket.”

Elgar says the opportunity to possibly captain the team is a ‘dream come true’, as he continues to establish himself as one of the senior leaders in the Test squad. The squad has won the last four consecutive series against New Zealand (home and away), Australia and Sri Lanka respectively, and will approach the next few weeks with a positive attitude despite the disappointing performances in the limited-overs formats.

“I’m very excited,” Elgar said of the captaincy. “It has been a dream of mine since I have been a young boy and even if it doesn’t happen at Lord’s it’s still a great opportunity for me to be a senior leader within the group. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a good reflection point of view for us,” he said of the last few weeks. “As mentioned, we have a lot of new faces which is exciting for us. There is a different energy within the Test side irrespective of how things have gone in the past. The energy is always in a good place for Test cricket which is what I want for the boys.”

 

[Sami92]

Aiden Markram should open with Dean Elgar. I would play De Bruyn if Du Plessis misses out for his child birth.

1. Elgar
2. Markram
3. Amla
4. Du Plessis
5. Duminy
6. Bavuma
7. De Kock (WK)
8. Philander
9. Maharaj
10. Morkel

 

[Billy1999]

Kasme that lords test is the best test in the Callander year played

Did you see the at atmosphere when Pakistan played,It's a wonderful venue

When are South Africa going to produce some players

Watch out for Thenis de bruyne
[MENTION=142991]TahirFan[/MENTION] could provide more insight,love this youngster

 

[Billy1999]

My South Africa 11

1:de bruyne/Makram
2ean Elgar
3:Amla
4:Faf Duplesis/De bruyne
5:Bavuma
6e Kock
7hekluwayo
8hilander
9:Makharaj
10:Rabada
11:Morkel

 

[MenInG]

Jake Ball has been ruled out of England’s first Test against South Africa next week with a knee strain, his Nottinghamshirecoach Peter Moores has confirmed. He will also miss Notts’ Royal London One-Day Cup final against Surrey at Lord’s on Saturday.

The seamer felt pain in his knee when bowling during the second innings of Nottinghamshire’s County Championship match against Kent at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

He went for a scan on Wednesday to assess the damage and was unable to take the field when the third day of the day-night match resumed after a rain delay.

Ball is set to be out of action for a fortnight, which will mean missing the opening Test against South Africa, which starts at Lord’s on 6 July.

“Jake is naturally very, very disappointed to miss out on the final, having previously been made available to play by the ECB, particularly after missing out on selection when Notts beat Glamorgan at Lord’s in 2013,” said Moores.

“He’s given his all in this competition when he’s been available to us, and we’ll miss him for what will be a really tough game against Surrey. Jake is a very strong character and I’m sure he’ll bounce back from this.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jun/29/jake-ball-england-south-africa-one-day-cup

 

[Markhor]

South Africa's batting looks weak. England however are ravaged with injuries to bowlers.

 

[Mobashir]

Weakest South African Team I have seen for years.
First They went down with the retirements of Kallis and Smith and now they suddenly lose ABDV and Steyn.

Hope they can still chalenge England!

 

[Nothing matters]

3-0 or 3-1 win coming up for England.

 

[Adil_94]

England to finally end their home hoodoo against The Saffers this century and win a home Test series and luckily Cook resigned so we wont see an English captain be forced to resign mid series like in the past 3 SA tours to England.

No AB Amla is a fading force. Smith n Kallis long gone. Steyn also not there.

Best chance for England to beat SA.

I predict 2 or 3-1 England. Saffers will win the dead rubber

 

[TahirFan]

Faf bill be back soon.

Don't write off South Africa. They still have the dangerous Amla, Faf, De Kok and a pretty decent bowling lineup

 

[A.A.Z]

England name squad for first Investec Test against South Africa

England National Cricket Selectors have named the following 12-man squad for the first Investec Test match against South Africa starting at Lord’s on Thursday July 6.


Joe Root (Yorkshire, captain)
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire, wk)
Gary Ballance (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
Keaton Jennings (Durham)
Toby Roland-Jones (Middlesex)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Mark Wood (Durham)


Yorkshire’s Joe Root, who was appointed England’s Test captain in February, will lead the team out for the first time on Thursday.

Middlesex seamer Toby Roland-Jones, who made his one-day international debut last month at Lord’s against Ireland, is the only uncapped player in the squad and is in contention to make his England Test debut on his home county ground.

The 29-year-old has taken 22 wickets in the Specsavers County Championship during this campaign.

Durham’s Mark Wood returns to the Test squad for the first time since October 2015.

Jake Ball (right knee) and Chris Woakes (side strain) were not available for selection because of injury.

James Whitaker, the National Selector, said: “There is great excitement around the first Test of the summer and with the start of a new era under the captaincy of Joe Root this is an exciting time for English cricket.

“Toby Roland-Jones is a player we have been monitoring for quite some time and deserves his chance after a strong couple of seasons with Middlesex in red ball cricket. He came close last year when he was named in the Test squad against Pakistan in July. Toby has been in good form this campaign and his ability to seam the ball along with the fact that he can score useful runs down the order gives us a number of options.

“Yorkshire’s Gary Ballance could play his first Test since October. He has been in fantastic touch with the bat in the Championship averaging over 100. He deserves to be included and we feel that he will add maturity and experience to our middle-order.

“On behalf of the selectors, I would like to wish Joe Root, Trevor Bayliss and all the squad the very best for what will be a competitive series against South Africa.”


Investec Test Series Fixtures:
First Investec Test Match, England v South Africa, July 6-10, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

Second Investec Test Match, England v South Africa, July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Third Investec Test Match, England v South Africa, July 27-31, Kia Oval, London

Fourth Investec Test Match, England v South Africa, August 4-8, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

 

[Amirforpresident]

Good to see Gary Ballance back he deserves it.
Not sure about Mark Wood, Test cricket isnt his strongest format.

 

[A.A.Z]

Good to see Gary Ballance back he deserves it.
Not sure about Mark Wood, Test cricket isnt his strongest format.

Even if Wood does perform in Tests, why risk a limited overs asset when he has comeback from an injury not too long ago? He's also injury-prone, which he's admitted to himself, as a result of the load he puts on his front foot in his delivery stride.

 

[HitWicket]

Looks like Moeen could be pushed up the order a bit then with Dawson playing at 8 as 'the spinner'. A mistake in the long run I think, would've had another batsman in with Moeen at 8 until we develop a genuinely test class spinner.

 

[On_the_up]

Its between Dawson and Toby Roland Jones.

I'd go for Dawson, otherwise a 5-1 attack with Moeen as your only spinner is asking for trouble.

 

[HitWicket]

Its between Dawson and Toby Roland Jones.

I'd go for Dawson, otherwise a 5-1 attack with Moeen as your only spinner is asking for trouble.

Also strengthens the batting.

Stokes - 6
Moeen - 7
Roland Jones - 8
Broad - 9
Wood - 10
Anderson - 11

That looks a pretty long tail by England's standards (although I wonder if Bairstow will go back to 7 or not).

 

[TahirFan]

The Proteas with Steyn, Philander, AB de Villiers, possible FAF du Plessis and Imran Tahir look very much like a minnows side.

 

[Saffer_XIII]

Our batting really seems quite thin. But I expect Philander, Rabada and Morkel to terrorise the English. People forget we won in Australia without AB and Steyn.

 

[Bilal7]

The best team England can play:

1) Cook
2) Jennings
3) Ballance
4) Root (c)
5) Ali
6) Stokes
7) Bairstow (wk)
8) Dawson
9) Broad
10) Wood
11) Anderson

Feel sorry for poor Hameed. Hopefully he gets his opening spot back soon enough.

 

[Robert]

Even if Wood does perform in Tests, why risk a limited overs asset when he has comeback from an injury not too long ago? He's also injury-prone, which he's admitted to himself, as a result of the load he puts on his front foot in his delivery stride.

Because England need a fast bowler in tests.

 

[A.A.Z]

Because England need a fast bowler in tests.

I guess with the Ashes coming up they probably want Wood to get some game time so that he's fit and firing down under. But, with all the talk about the need for success in white-ball cricket, bordering on desperation, I would think they would consider wrapping their main strike fast bowler in limited overs in cotton wool.

 

[aloo paratha]

I guess with the Ashes coming up they probably want Wood to get some game time so that he's fit and firing down under. But, with all the talk about the need for success in white-ball cricket, bordering on desperation, I would think they would consider wrapping their main strike fast bowler in limited overs in cotton wool.

He hasn't been that successful in ODIs, tests are his best format. Although I think Jake Ball is a better test option at least in English conditions.

 

[A.A.Z]

He hasn't been that successful in ODIs, tests are his best format. Although I think Jake Ball is a better test option at least in English conditions.

Over the course of the SA series and the Champions Trophy Atherton and Nasser Hussain were raving about him being the pace spearhead in limited overs for England and he looked it, especially with the 4-fer against Australia.

 

[Mobashir]

Mark Wood was exceptional In the champions trophy.
He surely deserves a go in Tests.

I think Ali should bat at 7, Bairstow at 6 and Stokes at 5.

Not convinced with the sélection of Jennings, Hameed is better.

On the South African front, they still have 3 good fast bowlers. Despite his good stats I am not that conviced by Rabada. I really hope he is good otherwise It will really hurt South African cricket.

 

[A.A.Z]

Philander fit for Lord's Test

Cape Town - Proteas new ball bowler Vernon Philander has been passed fit for the first Test of a four-match series against England, starting at Lord's on Thursday.

The 32-year-old had been a major doubt for the match after he missed last week's warm-up against the England Lions with an ankle injury he sustained while on county duty with Sussex.

All-rounder Chris Morris played against the Lions in Philander's absence, but he will more than likely make way now that Philander has been declared fit.

Meanwhile, there has been no official confirmation on the availability of captain Faf du Plessis for the Lord's Test, though it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will play.

Du Plessis was in South Africa for the birth of his first child last Thursday, but because it was a difficult birth, he could not leave immediately.

He was due to fly to England once the baby and his wife, Imari, were more settled, but by Monday morning there had been no further clarity.

If Du Plessis does miss the Lord's Test, Dean Elgar will captain in his absence.

http://m.sport24.co.za/sport24/Cricket/Proteas/philander-fit-for-lords-test-20170703

 

[MenInG]

Monday, 3 July 2017

Standard Bank Proteas Test captain, Faf du Plessis, will miss the first Test match against England starting at Lord’s on Thursday due to family reasons. Du Plessis returned home for the birth of his first child, but will be unable to return in time for the opening match of the four-Test series.

Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained: “Faf’s wife gave birth to their first child last week but the difficult nature of the delivery has delayed his return to the UK. The mother and baby have settled at home, but he will be unable to make it back in time to take part in the first Test match. He will link up with the squad in the UK later this week.”

Dean Elgar will captain the side in Du Plessis’ absence, and will become the 12th player since readmission to captain the South African Test team.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Poor conservative Test selections from england, no wonder they are an average test side at moment espcially in the batting.

S.A side has alot of untested and unproven players in it and this test series will probably be there toughest test in a series in england since readmission with the current squad S.A has available to them.

 

[HitWicket]

Poor conservative Test selections from england, no wonder they are an average test side at moment espcially in the batting.

Out of interest what alternative selections would you have suggested?

 

[Bilal7]

This is will be a tough series for the South Africans to win. Apart from Amla, the team lacks experience and proven quality. No Steyn, AB, Faf, Morkel, Smith and Kallis.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Out of interest what alternative selections would you have suggested?

There are plenty of good young batsmen like stoneman, westley and others knocking on the door and england decide to go back and pick ballance again! Yes hes scoring runs for yorkshire, but facts hes been poor technically and mentally at international level and he should have shown improvement in that area to earn a recall if he was going to but i doubt hes improved at all. He will get exposed by Either S.A or Aussies in winter as a limited batsmen.

 

[Billy1999]

Being English I will support England but expect this series to be just like last years EngVsPak series

Can't wait,What a series and in general watching test cricket in England is a delight more buzz and excitement and the atmosphere is more beautiful then an Limited overs game

What a test although I want South Africa to play well as well 2-1 to England

 

[3rdWheel]

excited for this series. England are favorites but still anything can happen

 

[Proactive_]

South Africa would be lucky to draw one match.

 

[MenInG]

Standard Bank Proteas head coach, Russell Domingo, says Dean Elgar will bring a ‘gutsy’ attitude as captain for the first Test match against England starting at Lord’s in London on Thursday. Elgar will stand in for Faf du Plessis - who is unable to lead the side due to family reasons - and will become the 12th player to captain South Africa’s Test team since readmission.

The 30-year-old has become an established member of the Test side since his debut in 2012, and has grown into a tenacious rock at the top of the order. He has scored seven centuries and six half-centuries (at an average of 39.25) in his 35-match Test career, innings’ that have been characterised by unrelenting fight and determination.

“He is a gutsy player,” Domingo said of Elgar in London on Monday. “He epitomises South African cricket to the tee. I’m excited about working with him for the next couple of days as captain.

“Dean is an aggressive type of personality and he will play an aggressive brand of cricket,” he added. “He is an experienced player in the Test side and has had good success as a Test opener, that is a tough job in this game.

“He is going to try and take over and run with a lot of what Faf has instilled in the side, but be his own man, and try to make decisions that he feels will be in the best interests of the team on the day. I’m excited to see what he brings. It’s a big plus for us that we can have another prospective captain in the group and another player taking his game forward to the next level of leadership.”

Domingo, who confirmed that he has reapplied for the position of head coach, says this Test series will be an opportunity to continue ‘ticking the boxes’ with the end goal of regaining the No.1 spot on the ICC Test rankings.

“We want to win, that is the bottom line,” Domingo stressed. “We set ourselves certain goals a year ago that we want to achieve in Test match cricket and we are determined to tick those boxes. To do that you have to play good cricket; you have to follow the processes, you have to absorb pressure and you have to counterattack in certain stages. We are very process-driven but we have the end-goal of winning the series and to improve our standing in Test cricket. We want to develop our brand in Test cricket and still try to find out what the best combination is.”

 

[Hasan123]

I thin England will win this series. South African batting looks weak other than Elgar and De Kock. Amla is brilliant test batsmen but he seems out of touch atm. They will miss Steyn in the bowling department.

England certainly have there weakness but I think they are a little more settled than South Africa. Also Cook and Bairstow are in terrific form. Problem is though if England win this series it could cover over some cracks for them. Moen will be smashed to pieces in Australia, yet it seems he'll be the front line spinner down under. Balance has proven to be not good enough for international cricket. He could find a way to score in home conditions and he's also liked by Root, so he'll more than likely play in the ashes and be exposed by Hazelwood and Starc. Not sure on Jennings would have preferred to see Hameed.

Anderson has struggled in Australia in the past yet it seems as though England will certainly select him. Furthermore Mark Wood has fitness issues so can he last 5 tests down under? I don't expect current England team to be Australia in Australia regardless who is selected. But if England to with this current squad with maybe Dawson replaced by a batsmen and Ball replacing Roland Jones, don't be surprised to see a heavy defeat in the ashes.

 

[HitWicket]

I thin England will win this series. South African batting looks weak other than Elgar and De Kock. Amla is brilliant test batsmen but he seems out of touch atm. They will miss Steyn in the bowling department.

England certainly have there weakness but I think they are a little more settled than South Africa. Also Cook and Bairstow are in terrific form. Problem is though if England win this series it could cover over some cracks for them. Moen will be smashed to pieces in Australia, yet it seems he'll be the front line spinner down under. Balance has proven to be not good enough for international cricket. He could find a way to score in home conditions and he's also liked by Root, so he'll more than likely play in the ashes and be exposed by Hazelwood and Starc. Not sure on Jennings would have preferred to see Hameed.

Anderson has struggled in Australia in the past yet it seems as though England will certainly select him. Furthermore Mark Wood has fitness issues so can he last 5 tests down under? I don't expect current England team to be Australia in Australia regardless who is selected. But if England to with this current squad with maybe Dawson replaced by a batsmen and Ball replacing Roland Jones, don't be surprised to see a heavy defeat in the ashes.

I'm more concerned about Moeens batting than his bowling down under to be honest. Think he could do alright with the ball with the extra bounce but at the same time I can see him getting torn to pieces with the short ball which is worrying if he stays above number 8.

Don't forget Woakes to return as well.

 

[HitWicket]

Looks like the Ashes squad is shaping up as :

Cook
Jennings
Stoneman
Root
Ballance
+Batsman (could be anyone really, whoever takes their chance. Livingstone? Westley?)
Bairstow
Buttler (Although Foakes could be in with a great shout if he finishes he season strongly)
Stokes
Ali
Dawson/Rashid/Crane (again, would need a good finish to the season)
Woakes
Broad
Roland Jones/Curran/Finn/Plunkett
Wood
Ball
Anderson

Which would leave room for one more. They may want another hit the deck bowler down under, another spinner if Moeens still playing as a batsman, or another backup batsman.

 

[Hasan123]

I'm more concerned about Moeens batting than his bowling down under to be honest. Think he could do alright with the ball with the extra bounce but at the same time I can see him getting torn to pieces with the short ball which is worrying if he stays above number 8.

Don't forget Woakes to return as well.

If the pitches are flat he will struggle imo. About his batting he has proven to be vulnerable vs the short ball. He also has tempremental issues.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Unless S.A Bowlers can reek havoc with ball against a pretty brittle england batting line up then this series will not be competative one.

With the bat Amla, De kock will have to have series of their lives is S.A are to even put half decent totals on the board.

 

[MenInG]

Vernon Philander is fit and ready to lead the Standard Bank Proteas attack in the first Test match against England starting at Lord’s in London on Thursday. Philander has recovered from the ankle injury he sustained earlier this month, and returns to a happy hunting ground which holds fond memories.

His man-of-the-match performance in the 51-run win at the ground in 2012 led the Proteas to a 2-0 series victory and the No.1 Test ranking. The current squad has a completely different look and feel to the class of 2012 – Philander, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Morne Morkel are the only players from that squad - but the objectives and desire remains the same ahead of the series-opener.

“Thinking back to 2012 we had a culture camp before coming here,” Philander said at Lord’s on Tuesday. “We had something similar a few months ago before coming here as well. The way the guys have been training over the last week has been phenomenal to see. We played the warm-up match in Worcester, guys got some time out in the middle and everyone looked good. Hopefully everyone will be ready come Thursday.

“There are a lot of new faces which brings new energy to the side which is good to have around. As long as you have energy to burn that brings excitement going into this Test series.”’

Morne Morkel is the only other bowler in the squad to have played a series in England, which gives the two senior bowlers added responsibility to impart knowledge and ideas to the rest of the attack. Philander says he is relishing the opportunity to bowl at Lord’s, and hopes to use the famous ‘slope’ as an advantage rather than a hindrance.

“There is always a little something in there with the duke ball, conditions here also depend on the overhead,” he said. “We always look forward to playing Test cricket, playing against some of the stronger nations always brings out the best in us. We have a great record away from home so hopefully we can continue with that.

“It could play on your mind if you are not used to it,” he said of the slope. “I always find it’s a wicket-taking option, when it gets flat here you can use the slope to run it back in, similarly when there is movement. You have to get used to it quickly, most of us would have played here and had a feel for it so we can share ideas.”

 

[James]

England's team looks oddly settled, despite their most recent Test form in the subcontinent being totally dire: 5 losses and 1 win from 6 Tests, but they could have easily lost all 6.

I am surprised by the relatively flaking makeup of the South African side. A good bowling attack, but the batting lineup looks pretty village to me.

Unless England get off to one of their infamous 'series slow starts' then I think they will make home advantage count here with a win.

 

[MenInG]

England batsman Gary Ballance has been ruled out of next week's third test against South Africa with a broken finger, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday.

Ballance suffered the injury when hit on the left index finger by a short ball from fast bowler Morne Morkel while making just four on Monday's fourth and final day at Trent Bridge, where England collapsed to 133 all out in a 340-run mauling in the second test.

"Gary Ballance has been ruled out of the third Investec test against South Africa at the Kia Oval starting July 27 after fracturing his left index finger," said an England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued on Tuesday.

"The Yorkshire left-hander saw a hand surgeon in Leeds on Tuesday. He will continue to be monitored by the England medical team and could still be available for selection in the fourth test starting next month at Emirates Old Trafford," the statement added.

Ballance, however, would have been under pressure to keep his place at The Oval in any event.

He has averaged a meagre 21.25 in four innings so far this series, with a top score of 34, in what is the Zimbabwe-born batsman's third crack at test cricket.

England coach Trevor Bayliss was highly critical of his team's performance in Nottingham, describing it as a "shocker" as the top order, including Ballance at No 3, again came under scrutiny.

Bayliss confirmed, however, that opener Keaton Jennings was likely to retain his place despite notching only three runs in two innings against the Proteas at Trent Bridge, where South Africa levelled the four-match series at 1-1.

"One of the things we've tried to do since I've come in is try to give those guys a bit longer to show what they have got," said Bayliss.

"It still hasn't worked, to be honest.

"Keaton, for example, at the top of the order ... if we're consistent with our selections, he should get some more goes," the Australian added, with England now having lost six of their last eight tests.

The likes of Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley and Haseeb Hameed are under consideration to take Ballance's place when England name their third test squad later this week.

"The last selection meeting we had before this series started, players like Stoneman and Westley were spoken about at length," said Bayliss.

"Obviously, (so was) Hameed – who is a little out of form this year. So those types of guys, they are on the edge."

England's quest for an opening batsman to partner Alastair Cook has been well documented; the former skipper has had 11 partners at the start of an innings in five years since the retirement of Andrew Strauss.

http://mobi.supersport.com/cricket/sa-team/news/170718/Ballance_out_of_third_test

 

[Saffer_XIII]

England's team looks oddly settled, despite their most recent Test form in the subcontinent being totally dire: 5 losses and 1 win from 6 Tests, but they could have easily lost all 6.

I am surprised by the relatively flaking makeup of the South African side. A good bowling attack, but the batting lineup looks pretty village to me.

Unless England get off to one of their infamous 'series slow starts' then I think they will make home advantage count here with a win.

My my how things change. Nasser Hussein ranting after the 2nd test would indicate that this side is far from settled. They've got a brilliant core of players but the support cast is shambolic. Plus it seems the coach's head has been put on the block due to the overly aggressive batting and lack of grit or application.

 

[James]

My my how things change. Nasser Hussein ranting after the 2nd test would indicate that this side is far from settled. They've got a brilliant core of players but the support cast is shambolic. Plus it seems the coach's head has been put on the block due to the overly aggressive batting and lack of grit or application.

The opening match happened pretty much exactly in sync with my view. But in the 2nd match we saw the England cracks widen considerably - cracks that had been papered over at the end of last year, and had subsequently been forgotten about due to 7 months without us playing a Test.

As ever when England heavily lose a home Test, the coach and half the team are being blindfolded against a grubby brick wall somewhere in preparation to be shot - this is mainly down to the media, but also contributed to by the fans - in fact the only reason why the captain is not being lined up alongside them this time is because he is (a) brand new and (b) scoring runs [although if one or both of (a) and/or (b) did not apply then he would be in an equally parlous position!]

Clearly some players need to be changed around from Trent Bridge; and in a collective sense England played atrociously, sickeningly and embarrassingly badly there.

But no need for mass panic - the performance at Lord's was excellent - the 3rd Test is a new game and we need to see what happens there before getting too excited.

 

[shaz619]

Yorkshire Trash Ballance is rumoured to have broken a finger and will not be available for selection! Good riddance, Eid has come early [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION] [MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

 

[Waseem]

England name squad for Investec third Test against South Africa

England National Cricket Selectors have named the following 13-man squad for the third Investec Test match against South Africa starting at the Kia Oval on Thursday July 27 2017.

England third Test Squad:

Joe Root (Yorkshire) (Captain)

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

James Anderson (Lancashire)

Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)

Alastair Cook (Essex)

Liam Dawson (Hampshire)

Keaton Jennings (Durham)

Dawid Malan (Middlesex)

Toby Roland-Jones (Middlesex)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

Tom Westley (Essex)

Mark Wood (Durham)

Essex’s Tom Westley is set to earn his first cap with selectors confirming he will bat at number three in the 100th Test at the Oval.

Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan is also included in the squad for the first time and could feature if England decide on selecting an extra batsman when they confirm their starting line-up next week.

Westley, 28, has been in good form for Essex where he has scored 478 runs in the Specsavers County Championship this season, including two centuries, at an average of 53.11. He also impressed for the England Lions last winter and at Worcester last month, where he scored 106 not out against South Africa’s full strength bowling attack.

Malan, who made his England debut last month in the deciding NatWest T20 International against South Africa, where he scored 78 off 44 balls, has been a consistent performer with Middlesex in red-ball cricket. He averages 42.50 in the Specsavers County Championship this season with a highest score of 115.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Interesting that Malan is in.Stoneman should have been given a look in.

 

[The Googly]

Dawson and Jennings are not international class by a long chalk - especially Dawson.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Dawson and Jennings are not international class by a long chalk - especially Dawson.

Dawson is a decent prospect while Jennings has limited technique.

England have had a serious problem with their inability to find a competent opener to partner Cook.Some openers I can remember are Hales,Lyth,Compton,Hameed and Jennings.Pretty sure I missed out on a few.

 

[HitWicket]

Doubt Malan will play but it should've been Stoneman instead anyway. Westley is a good pick.

 

[shaz619]

Interesting that Malan is in.Stoneman should have been given a look in.

If he was a right hand bat probably would have been given a look but three left handers at the top is not productive, Westley is a good talent and scored a 100 against South Africa during a warm up game for the England Lions team recently and has been in the county championship runs.

Not sure why they would pick Malan unless they intend to play an extra bastman, it's possible at the expense of Dawson. The Oval is flat these days but I'd still be tempted to play 2 spinners.