Ahead of the first of four South Africa v England Tests, the first of which starts at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground today, here are five talking points:
The form of Hashim Amla
The South Africa captain has been on a lean trot lately – he averaged just 16.85 in seven innings and failed to register a half-century during their forgettable Test tour of India. The problem is the right-hander has had little time to rediscover his touch, although the signs were good in his final knock at Delhi, where he made a gritty 25 that nearly earned his side a famous draw. A hundred, or even a fifty, at Kingsmead will boost his confidence as well as that of his teammates going forward.
An injury to James Anderson
England will go into the game without their pace spearhead, who has a calf injury. While he is likely to feature in the second Test at Cape Town, Anderson’s skills will be missed on a seamer-friendly surface at Kingsmead. Stuart Broad will shoulder the attack and is expected to be ably-supported by Steve Finn, but they will miss the presence of a strong third seamer. Expect all-rounder Ben Stokes to bowl more than his usual quota of overs.
A burden on AB de Villiers?
Of the 102 Tests De Villiers has played, he has doubled up as a wicketkeeper in 23 of them and scored runs at an enviable 58.26, smashing seven centuries. These are great numbers, and it is easy to imagine him replicating that form as he resumes his duties behind the stumps (a decision taken by the selectors in order to include an extra batsman in the side). However, De Villiers is 31 and, although he is peaking in his career with the bat, keeping wicket will certainly be a challenge. And with South Africa’s batting line-up undergoing a transition, the pressure to score will be immense, especially if Amla and/or Faf du Plessis fail. The hosts can win the series if De Villiers juggles his responsibilities effectively.
The return of Dale Steyn
The Proteas sorely missed the paceman in the Test series in India due to a groin injury. He is fit and, given his hyper-competitive nature, will be desperate to have a go at England’s young batsmen. He has taken 432 wickets in just 81 Tests and 38 from seven games at Durban, and his ability to swing the ball at great speeds will make him a dangerous proposition.
The untested England batsmen
Even before Ian Bell, an 118-Test veteran was dropped, England’s batting line-up looked thin. Captain Alastair Cook and vice-captain Joe Root have quality and experience. But Jonny Bairstow has played just 20 Tests, Ben Stokes 19, Gary Balance 15, Nick Compton nine and James Taylor three. Having said that, little experience means little baggage. If these players face the likes of Steyn and Morne Morkel with gumption at Kingsmead, that will set the tone for an exciting series.
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