South Africa take on England in a 4 match test series starting at Lords on 6 July and ending with the 4th test in Manchester on 4 August. The English Summer of cricket will produce some top class cricket.
England versus South Africa Test Series Preview
England have been in poor test match form over the past 12 months, playing 11 matches, losing 7, winning 3 and drawing 1. Contributing to these poor stats was a tour to India where they lost the series 4 -0. Their home record has not been much better with 2 wins and 2 losses against Pakistan last year. Their recent form in ODIs and T20s has been good and they will be looking to transfer this form into the longer format of the game.
South Africa on the other hand has been in superb test form and has only lost 1 test in their last 11 matches. Recent test series victories have been over Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. This has been achieved without strike bowler Dale Steyn and world class batsman, AB de Villiers.
Head to Head
South Africa is currently ranked number 2 in the world test rankings and will be looking to grab another test series victory in England. South Africa won series in England in 2008, and 2012.
The last time England toured South Africa was in 2015, playing a 4 match test series. England won the series 2-1, winning in Durban and Johannesburg. South Africa won the last test to make the series loss more respectable.
The first test match takes place at Lords, a happy hunting ground for South Africa winning there in 2012 and drawing the match in 2008.
Lords, the home of cricket, has not been kind to the English. Over the past 9 tests played at Lords, England have managed 3 victories, 4 losses and 2 draws.
“I think they (England) would start favourites, they just look in a better place at this stage. Let’s hope the guys (Proteas) get the leadership there and our team prepares really well,” Graeme Smith said in a Power of Sport podcast.
Top Batsmen
A number of batmen have been in fantastic form over the last few months. For South Africa Faf du Plessis has averaged 57.23 in his last 11 test matches with a highest score of 118 not out. Quinton de Kock is averaging 54.47 in his last 11 matches with a highest score of 104.
For England, newly appointed Captain Joe Root averages 52.42 in his last 11 tests with an impressive 254 as his highest score. Wicket Keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow averages 52.15 in his last 12 matches with 167 not out as his best score.
Top Bowlers
South Africa will look at rising star Rabada to continue his form with a remarkable average of 23.69 in his young career and best figures of 7/112. Philander will be at his best with the new ball and has an average of 23.51 in his last 11 test with best of 5/21.
For England 122 match veteran Anderson will be looking to maintain his career average of 28.50. While his long term bowling partner Broad is averaging 28.82 in his last 8 test matches with a best of 4/33. All-rounder Ben Stokes has also been impressive with the ball averaging 25.14 in his last 8 test matches.
Prediction
England have only won one of their last six Lord’s Tests and with a much-changed line-up might find it tough. South Africa are without captain du Plessis and also have a number of changes. This will be a close game, but we leaning towards a close victory for the Proteas.
Betting Odds
First test match winner
- England 21/20
- South Africa 28/10
- Draw 24/10
Series Winner
- England 11/20
- South Africa 3/1
- Draw 9/2
