Cricket: South Africa vs England
BetXChange Odds:
Series Winner:
Draw – 3.00
England travel to South Africa for what promises to be a fascinating series of test cricket, between two sides very much going through transitional phases, in the longest form of the game. The hosts South Africa have endured a rotten 12 months in all formats of the game and have brought in some experienced faces to manage the selection and coaching of the side. Former captain Graham Smith has been brought in as the Director of Cricket, to oversee selection whilst his former team mate Mark Boucher has been installed as the first team coach. Similarly, England have replaced the impressive Trevor Bayliss with former fast bowler Chris Silverwood who is a proven performer in the County game but still has some question marks over his head at international level.
Team Previews
South Africa look to be going through a period of change with Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and AB De Villiers three of the many big names to have moved away from the international fold in recent times. Faf de Plessis will once again lead the Proteas and he is seen as very much an experienced head within an exciting young team going into this series. In the batting department, Dean Elgar and Aiden Markham will be looking to prove themselves at test level once more whilst Rassie van der Dussen will be hoping to replicate his limited overs form in these test matches. The bowling unit continues to look strong with Kagiso Rabada at the heart of it with the guile of Andile Phehlukwayo and Vernon Philander for company.
England’s test form in recent times has been an area of concern with a drawn Ashes series backed up by a disappointing defeat in New Zealand. Runs continue to be at the heart of their problems with much of the run scoring responsibility falling to Joe Root and Rory Burns, with very little else coming from the top order. Jonny Bairstow has been recalled after sitting out the New Zealand series and he will be keen to make an impact here. Ben Stokes is the premiere all-rounder in world cricket currently and he will be looking to impress with bat and ball whilst the bowling department of Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and a fit again James Anderson, should relish the South African conditions.
South Africa vs England 2019/20 Series Dates
First Test: Super Sport Park, Centurion: – 26th – 30th December 2019
Second Test: Newlands, Cape Town: – 3rd – 7th January 2020
Third Test: St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth: – 16th – 20th January 2020
Fourth Test: Wanderers, Johannesburg: – 24th – 28th January 2020
Series Betting Tips
When will the series be decided: 4th Test Match – 2.25
With both sides going through similar circumstances with regards coaching staff and team selection, this should be a very closely fought series.
Series Correct Score: England to win 2-1 – 5.50
Despite their recent struggles, England look to have more match winners in their ranks and the conditions should suit both their batsmen and bowlers.
1st Test Match Betting Tips
England Top Batsman in the match: Joe Root – 2.25
Joe Root tends to lead by example and his double hundred in the final test match against New Zealand was an indicator of the form he is currently in.
South Africa Top Bowler in the match: Vernon Philander – 2.50
Few bowlers possess the ability of Vernon Philander when it comes to moving the ball and forcing the batsmen to play and he will be looking forward to playing at Centurion.
Series Prediction
Outright Winner: England – 1.25
This series will be very closely fought between two very level sides but England should just have the edge over South Africa here.
