I thought I'd have another go at blogging, mainly because I'm bored, but also because I am massively excited about England v South Africa tomorrow. In my view they are not only the best two test sides in the world, but easily the most exciting and likeable as well. So here are a few thoughts on each team:-
England - The thinking is that Bresnan will play ahead of Finn with Oions both 5th choice and now injured. That leaves England with the usual faces in the top 5, Bopara at six and then the tried and tested bowling attack. England's batsman are going to be properly tested against the pace of Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Kallis. Most of our batsmen are fairly methodical and against the pace and ability of Steyn that might not be enough. The key player for England is probably Ian Bell, he's got a fantastic record against pace bowling and at five is well protected even though I expect England to lose wickets early. If England can lay a decent platform Bell can get in and make runs against a tiring attack.
As for the bowlers, they really are a fantastic unit. Anderson will lead as always, and his battle with Smith is huge for both sides. Smith tore him asunder in 2003 but Anderson is a far better bowler now. Broad should offer fantastic support and Bresnan will do the donkey work. I wouldn't expect much from Graeme Swann though, the pitches are extremely unlikely to help him.
South Africa - SA are expected to pick the same side as played their final warm-up match, being Smith, Petersen, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers, Rudolph, Duminy, Philander, Steyn, Morkel and Tahir. If De Lange had been fit I could see them playing for seamers but without Tahir will have to step up to the mark. He is capable of running through a side but his control leaves a lot to be desired and he is the kind of bowler who could let the game run away. Steyn is simply the best bowler in the world, and Philander seems perfectly suited to English conditions, with the ability to swing the ball both ways and a lack of pace meaning he is unlikely to bowl short. Someone who will bowl short is Morne Morkel and he will most likely be the deciding player of the series.
If he bowls poorly, England have two bowlers they can look to score well against and it will be hard for Smith to rotate his bowlers well enough to keep the pressure on and Steyn and Philander fit and healthy. If he bowls well, then the first 15 overs of every innings will be a nightmare for England, with South Africa having three varied, quality fast bowlers in conditions favouring them.
As for the batting, the loss of Mark Boucher leaves AB De Villiers carrying a big load. He is the best batsman currently on either side, but now has to keep for most likely the entire series. The batting line-up is based around four outstanding batsmen (Smith, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers) but has three ropey ones in Petersen, Rudolph and Duminy and these three England have to look to target. Despite conditions in his favour and a reputation as being a good player of spin Swann destroyed Duminy last series between the two sides. Both Rudolph and Petersen have good records in county cricket but both really need to nail down their spots otherwise SA might feel inclined to look at younger, fitter, more-Faf Du Plessis shaped batsmen in the future.
Ultimately I can't see Morkel bowling well enough in English conditions for South Africa to put enough pressure on England and I see England having the better of the series. That said South Africa will win a test and I find it hard to predict anything other than a 1-1 draw with England having the better of the drawn Test. However, if Morkel can provide more than 15 wickets for SA, another victory on English soil could be theirs
Prediction - 1-1
England Player of the Series - Ian Bell
South Africa Player of the Series - Dale Steyn
South Africa - SA are expected to pick the same side as played their final warm-up match, being Smith, Petersen, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers, Rudolph, Duminy, Philander, Steyn, Morkel and Tahir. If De Lange had been fit I could see them playing for seamers but without Tahir will have to step up to the mark. He is capable of running through a side but his control leaves a lot to be desired and he is the kind of bowler who could let the game run away. Steyn is simply the best bowler in the world, and Philander seems perfectly suited to English conditions, with the ability to swing the ball both ways and a lack of pace meaning he is unlikely to bowl short. Someone who will bowl short is Morne Morkel and he will most likely be the deciding player of the series.
If he bowls poorly, England have two bowlers they can look to score well against and it will be hard for Smith to rotate his bowlers well enough to keep the pressure on and Steyn and Philander fit and healthy. If he bowls well, then the first 15 overs of every innings will be a nightmare for England, with South Africa having three varied, quality fast bowlers in conditions favouring them.
As for the batting, the loss of Mark Boucher leaves AB De Villiers carrying a big load. He is the best batsman currently on either side, but now has to keep for most likely the entire series. The batting line-up is based around four outstanding batsmen (Smith, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers) but has three ropey ones in Petersen, Rudolph and Duminy and these three England have to look to target. Despite conditions in his favour and a reputation as being a good player of spin Swann destroyed Duminy last series between the two sides. Both Rudolph and Petersen have good records in county cricket but both really need to nail down their spots otherwise SA might feel inclined to look at younger, fitter, more-Faf Du Plessis shaped batsmen in the future.
Ultimately I can't see Morkel bowling well enough in English conditions for South Africa to put enough pressure on England and I see England having the better of the series. That said South Africa will win a test and I find it hard to predict anything other than a 1-1 draw with England having the better of the drawn Test. However, if Morkel can provide more than 15 wickets for SA, another victory on English soil could be theirs
Prediction - 1-1
England Player of the Series - Ian Bell
South Africa Player of the Series - Dale Steyn
