South Africa [284 & 272] defeat England [181 & 268] by 107 runs to win the 1st Test

[MenInG]

England have lost key players to illness, while South Africa, with their revamped structure, are on the path of recovery. The two teams, both wounded but dangerous, are hungry to have a go at each other.

Overview

South Africa v England, 1st Test
ICC Test Championship
Centurion
Thursday 26 - Monday 30 December; 10:00am local, 08.00am GMT

Both England and South Africa are playing their second ICC Test Championship series. While England are third on the table with two wins, South Africa are last, having been swept by India.

There is, however, a fresh optimism about Faf du Plessis' men. A new coaching set-up, with Mark Boucher in charge, and Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt and Paul Harris in consulting roles, has revitalised them, with Graeme Smith pulling the strings as CSA acting director of cricket. They are also set to hand Test debuts to Rassie van der Dussen and all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius. With Temba Bavuma missing through injury, it will be up to van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock to shore up the middle order.

What they said

Joe Root, England captain: "We have got extra people here and it’s a good squad that enables us to put out a competitive team come what may. It’s frustrating but we have to handle it ... I have never encountered a South African team that does not play with pride and passion. And I expect nothing different at Centurion. They are good in their own conditions."

Faf du Plessis, South Africa captain: "We are at an infant stage as a Test team, and the plan is to get back to number one, but that will take some time. We do need to mature, we’ve got a year and a half of the World Test Championship. The plan is get out there and play a little bit better every time we go out."

Conditions

It's expected to be hot in Centurion on the first two days of the Test, with some rain in the evening on Friday bringing a slight drop in temperatures later on.

South Africa Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Zubayr Hamza, Dwaine Pretorius, Vernon Philander, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Beuran Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Dane Paterson, Rudi Second, Pieter MalanE

ngland Squad: Joe Root (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson, Ollie Pope, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Sam Curran, Dominic Bess, Zak Crawley

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1545098

 

[MenInG]

England have won the toss and have opted to field


Teams:
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Dwaine Pretorius, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje

England (Playing XI): Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler(w), Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

 

[Nikhil_cric]

England have won the toss and chosen to bowl first. They have 5 seamers though so it just might work.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Lol. Pathetic start by south africa

 

[andy0204]

Jimmy you are great.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Finally some cricket.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Pollock is such a great commentator.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Jimmy getting nailed here.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Curran. Wow.

 

[asifp]

Jimmy the great is back. What a bowler! Most under appreciated fast bowler of all time

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Sam Curran bowling quicker than I've ever seen him . That's impressive.

 

[MMHS]

This Hamza guy looks really good. I read lots of gloomy forecast for SAF cricket but still they are producing exciting players. Janneman Malan is next in line, Moulder as well. I am sure if the public interest is there, SAF will remain a top cricket force; but their board needs to clear their in-house mess for sure.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

This Hamza guy looks really good. I read lots of gloomy forecast for SAF cricket but still they are producing exciting players. Janneman Malan is next in line, Moulder as well. I am sure if the public interest is there, SAF will remain a top cricket force; but their board needs to clear their in-house mess for sure.

Jinxed him. He does look promising though.

 

[MMHS]

Jinxed him. He does look promising though.

Got a really good one. Also, this is T20 generation - he’ll need couple of years in Test cricket before leaving balls close to outside off. Overall looks very good and this is not an easy wicket.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

English seamers as a unit have been poor and all over the place. SA not able to capitalise though

 

[Robert]

Good progress by England - why did Root insert SA on a road?

 

[shah_1]

This Hamza guy looks really good. I read lots of gloomy forecast for SAF cricket but still they are producing exciting players. Janneman Malan is next in line, Moulder as well. I am sure if the public interest is there, SAF will remain a top cricket force; but their board needs to clear their in-house mess for sure.

Good domestic cricket system have first class teams picking youngsters(U20) that have the potienal to play for national team so by the time they reach the age of 23 to 25 they have already played 50 to 60 FC matches .

Pakistan is the opposite, seniority culture rules, youngsters aren't given a chance.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Vd Dussen only now playing his first test is a sin. CSA have done a pathetic job all round.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Good progress by England - why did Root insert SA on a road?

It's not a road at all.

 

[sindhiboy]

Vd Dussen only now playing his first test is a sin. CSA have done a pathetic job all round.

rudi second is another batsman whoose debut is long overdue

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Sky just had a good piece on Bob Willis. RIP.

 

[Robert]

It's not a road at all.

I can’t see it but BBC Radio said it had nothing for the bowlers.

 

[Hasan123]

This Hamza guy looks really good. I read lots of gloomy forecast for SAF cricket but still they are producing exciting players. Janneman Malan is next in line, Moulder as well. I am sure if the public interest is there, SAF will remain a top cricket force; but their board needs to clear their in-house mess for sure.

The clearing up is starting. A couple of years of pain await but I think South Africa will still be a strong force.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

I can’t see it but BBC Radio said it had nothing for the bowlers.

I'd say it's the standard 270-300 wicket.

 

[Robert]

Archer’s getting some tap. Not his sort of deck? Curran has been miserly.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

When Curran came on he changed the game in England's favour. Bit of a up an down.

 

[Markhor]

Archer has been all over the place with his line. Surprising to see him struggle given one would've thought South African conditions would suit him.

 

[shah_1]

Archer’s getting some tap. Not his sort of deck? Curran has been miserly.

Not in England and duke balls?

 

[Mamoon]

Another evidence of why Root is not a captain. When you make the opposition bat first you are basically fighting against the odds - unless you get them out for less than 250, you are more often than not in a losing position, especially in South Africa where teams are hardly going to pile up 500+ in the first innings.

Anderson looked knackered in his first spell. The years of Test cricket are probably taking their toll now. He does not look like someone who can play beyond the next English summer.

With Archer, Wokes, Curran brothers, Woods, Saqib etc. all available, the time has for Anderson to call a day on his remarkable career.

 

[Markhor]

Another evidence of why Root is not a captain. When you make the opposition bat first you are basically fighting against the odds - unless you get them out for less than 250, you are more often than not in a losing position, especially in South Africa where teams are hardly going to pile up 500+ in the first innings.

Anderson looked knackered in his first spell. The years of Test cricket are probably taking their toll now. He does not look like someone who can play beyond the next English summer.

With Archer, Wokes, Curran brothers, Woods, Saqib etc. all available, the time has for Anderson to call a day on his remarkable career.

Think Anderson would've bowed out during the Ashes series had he been fit. Maybe he's looking to stretch things out to the home summer vs West Indies and Pakistan.

 

[andy0204]

All that hype of Archer seems like gone,he will be moaning about the pitches in social media.

 

[shah_1]

Another evidence of why Root is not a captain. When you make the opposition bat first you are basically fighting against the odds - unless you get them out for less than 250, you are more often than not in a losing position, especially in South Africa where teams are hardly going to pile up 500+ in the first innings.

Anderson looked knackered in his first spell. The years of Test cricket are probably taking their toll now. He does not look like someone who can play beyond the next English summer.

With Archer, Wokes, Curran brothers, Woods, Saqib etc. all available, the time has for Anderson to call a day on his remarkable career.

Anderson has always been rubbish with Kokabura ball

 

[Hasan123]

Would be nice to see De Kock score some quick runs.

 

[Mamoon]

Think Anderson would've bowed out during the Ashes series had he been fit. Maybe he's looking to stretch things out to the home summer vs West Indies and Pakistan.

He wants 600 wickets but I don’t think it is possible anymore. English players don’t chase individual records at the expense of the team, so his retirement is very close indeed.

 

[Mamoon]

Anderson has always been rubbish with Kokabura ball

A myth. He has won England matches in all countries.

 

[MenInG]

SA in trouble

RSA 97/4 (35.0) CRR: 2.77
Day 1: 2nd Session - England opt to bowl

 

[Markhor]

I love the atmosphere of an opening day of a Boxing Day Test in South Africa. It's such an inviting anvironment for families too with those open grass banks, you actually want to spend a day there.

Compare this to those ugly concrete steps in Pakistan in ramshackle stadiums that haven't been upgraded since the 80s where marketing of Test cricket is nonexistent. [MENTION=130419]shah_1[/MENTION]

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I can’t see it but BBC Radio said it had nothing for the bowlers.

Wickets on the NZ tour were much flatter than this. Seamers were poor in the first hour or so.

 

[shah_1]

A myth. He has won England matches in all countries.

In SA-39
In Aus-35
In NZ-33

 

[Markhor]

Broad averages 25 in South Africa so always enjoyed these conditions.

 

[andy0204]

In SA-39
In Aus-35
In NZ-33

Broad is better than Anderson when it comes to kookabura ball.

 

[Hasan123]

Could be a low scoring test as England batting isn't very strong.

 

[sindhiboy]

this is top quality bowling from england, even indian batsmen would struggle.

for some reason, eng turn into a top team whenever they come to south africa. they even beat south africa in 2016, when south africa was much much stronger.

expecting a demolition job from eng this tour. have to feel sorry for south africa

 

[Mamoon]

In SA-39
In Aus-35
In NZ-33

His record is better since 2008 once he really got to know his bowling. He won England the Ashes in Australia with 24 wickets and inflicted three innings defeats on Australia.

Australia have never been humiliated at home in such fashion. English fans would hardly care about his 35 average when had contributed to their greatest away Ashes win in decades, if not forever.

 

[Mamoon]

this is top quality bowling from england, even indian batsmen would struggle.

for some reason, eng turn into a top team whenever they come to south africa. they even beat south africa in 2016, when south africa was much much stronger.

expecting a demolition job from eng this tour. have to feel sorry for south africa

They are a top team. They don’t lose at home and beat teams like India. They also do well in South Africa. Their major problem has been struggling against poor sides like Pakistan.

However, I suspect that we are no longer their bogey team.

 

[Hasan123]

Andile Phehlukwayo has done well in LO. He is still young. I don't understand why South Africa have not given him a run in tests when they are trying to build a young team.

 

[Markhor]

this is top quality bowling from england, even indian batsmen would struggle.

for some reason, eng turn into a top team whenever they come to south africa. they even beat south africa in 2016, when south africa was much much stronger.

expecting a demolition job from eng this tour. have to feel sorry for south africa

Despite the Kookaburra ball, South African conditions do offer more for seamers compared to places like Australia where England have struggled to take 20 wickets.

England haven't lost in South Africa since 1999.

 

[Robert]

Broad is better than Anderson when it comes to kookabura ball.

I wouldn't have taken Anderson. I'd have gone with Wood.

 

[Hasan123]

Broad, Anderson, and Archer have not had much practice before this test. Curran is inexperienced still and Stokes may not be risked. South Africa need to stay out there as runs will come. De Kock is the key. If he is batting at the end of the day, SA will have done well.

 

[Hasan123]

50 for De Kock. Expecting big things from him with this new support staff in place and with him now being one of the senior players .

 

[sindhiboy]

They are a top team. They don’t lose at home and beat teams like India. They also do well in South Africa. Their major problem has been struggling against poor sides like Pakistan.

However, I suspect that we are no longer their bogey team.

eng struggles on flat pitches, that is why they got battered in aus . and india(2016 series when pitches were flat and not rank turners)

but on bowling friendly pitches(be it spin friendly, seam or swing friendly) eng are probably the best team after india

 

[sindhiboy]

I wouldn't have taken Anderson. I'd have gone with Wood.

anderson has bowled pretty well, jofra has been the worst bowler, maybe he should have been replaced with wood

 

[andy0204]

I wouldn't have taken Anderson. I'd have gone with Wood.

I would have pick Woakes in place of Anderson.
And if Jofra doesn't perform well then I will pick wood.

 

[andy0204]

anderson has bowled pretty well, jofra has been the worst bowler, maybe he should have been replaced with wood

Still I don't believe in Jimmy there is no doubt he is a great bowler but I will pick a youngster in place of him.

 

[wrongun]

Archer serving up a lot of inconsistent rubbish with the odd good ball.

Looks like making a few chances but he's going at 5 an over & losing control of the game. Bowling is a partnership. Build some pressure.

 

[Hasan123]

I absolutely despise the way Root is using Archer.

 

[MMHS]

Kock can recover lots of his tarnished reputation by hitting a hundred here. This is one of the best pace attack in recent time and guy has blasted them so far to bring the game in balance. Another 150 with that total, SAF will be on driving seat.

 

[Hasan123]

Curran strikes.

 

[sindhiboy]

would have never thought that sam curran would be eng's best bowler

 

[MenInG]

RSA 218/6 (63.2) CRR: 3.44
Day 1: 3rd Session - England opt to bowl

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

QdK once again playing a vital knock when they need it the most. If SA get 320+ then it's a huge advantage for them, Vernon and Maharaj can bat.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Considering it is sA you can never say 250 is a poor total. It may be enough sometimes.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Burns, sibly, denly will be up against Rabada & Co. Going to be fun.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Broad's speed dropped to 127 kph. He also loses pace almost immediately after first spell

 

[jnaveen1980]

SA pitch offers something for bowlers all day. It varies pitch to pitch though. But if you don't have energy in the 3rd session you won't be able to use. This is where Steyn usually was dangerous. 3rd session.

 

[Titan24]

SA maybe need to think about having QDK a bit up the batting order. Their batting resources at the moment arent as good to have probably their best batsman batting at no 7. If its due to keeping they can maybe include another one.

 

[Titan24]

QdK once again playing a vital knock when they need it the most. If SA get 320+ then it's a huge advantage for them, Vernon and Maharaj can bat.

Every knock at no 7 with current SA batting struggles is gonna be vital. If he can play a slightly newer ball, it would be better for SA to have him at no 4 or 5 i think.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Markram and Elgar wickets were cheap wickets. Seriously what were they thinking. One was way down the leg side. He edged that one. Second one not such a good ball.Until SA finds good openers they will continue struggling.

 

[jnaveen1980]

With Stokes out (just back again), workload is going to be more for Andu and Broad.

 

[Titan24]

Archer has been pretty poor post Ashes. I am not sure if its the fitness as his pace is also considerably lower. Still new to test cricket though but still was expecting much better performances in NZ.

 

[Titan24]

With Stokes out (just back again), workload is going to be more for Andu and Broad.

Thats the problem with all pace attack and that is why I am not in favour mostly. A spinner can provide much needed variety along with delivering a lot of overs to share the workload.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Archer has been pretty poor post Ashes. I am not sure if its the fitness as his pace is also considerably lower. Still new to test cricket though but still was expecting much better performances in NZ.

Maybe not a test specialist!

 

[Titan24]

Maybe not a test specialist!

He has the skills. However its true that the modern day cricket takes a heavy toll on bowlers who are good enough for all the formats with LOIs as well as leagues. Test cricket requires a lot of fitness and that is why we saw Cummins and Starc avoiding leagues for few years. Cummins is playing IPL now probably because the World T20 is this year.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Thats the problem with all pace attack and that is why I am not in favour mostly. A spinner can provide much needed variety along with delivering a lot of overs to share the workload.

Moeen Ali fell away. They bank on Root for that job.

 

[jnaveen1980]

For a fast bowler 150 tests is a lot of Tests. Anderson is definitely a war horse in Tests.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Another 60 odd balls between Anderson and Broad. They will have bowled 60,000 balls together in Tests !!! That is about 10000 overs !! Staggering.

 

[andy0204]

What a fitness Anderson has,bowling 19 overs in a day at the age of 38

 

[jnaveen1980]

pacewise England bowlers are below 130 on an average if you exclude Archer.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Curran got his 4th. De Kock got out. He was being over-defensive with him being in the 90s. But the ball was a decent one. Slight movement was all needed to catch the edge.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Ball is still moving around. This Curran reminds me of Irfan Pathan.