JOHANNESBURG // Handicapped by the absence of key strike bowler Dale Steyn, South Africa will need to dig deep into their reserves if they are to beat England in the third Test and bring parity to the series.
In the rarified atmosphere of Johannesburg, where the altitude of some 1800m above sea level means the ball carries that little bit quicker, the value of a proven wicket taker cannot be underestimated.
But in their hour of need, the world’s second-ranked test bowler has been sidelined from the match which starts on Thursday with a shoulder injury.
To add to their woes, Vernon Philander is also injured and Morne Morkel, who has had to carry a heavy workload in recent months, is in “the red zone” according to his coach Russell Domingo.
The multiple setbacks have left South Africa relying on an unproven attack.
Read more: Injured Dale Steyn out of third South Africa-England cricket Test
The test marks the debut of AB de Villiers as South Africa captain, after Hashim Amla’s sudden resignation last week, but any turmoil that change might have induced is significantly overshadowed by the bowling crisis.
With a result usually unfolding at the Wanderers -- only six of the last 24 tests at the venue have been drawn -- South Africa are going to have to produce a repeat of the kind of resilience they displayed in Cape Town last week.
With England in blistering form with the bat, the hosts managed to dig themselves out of a deep hole as they forced a draw -- thus preventing the visitors from taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
In fact, they even rattled England for the first time in the series as they threatened to pull off an unlikely come-from-behind win on the final day.
Despite the closing-stage jitters they displayed in Cape Town, England will fancy their chances with the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn relishing bowling on a better wicket than the flat surfaces of the first two tests.
But for all the focus on the bowlers, the Wanderers has been the scene of many batting triumphs.
The tourists showed their capabilities at Newlands last week with Ben Stokes smashing several records as he amassed 258 runs in England’s first innings total of 629 for six declared and he is expected to be a key figure again.
The last test of the series will be played at Centurion in Pretoria from Jan. 22-26.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
Kill
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Starring: Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Raghav Juyal
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 190hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 10.9L/100km
Price: From Dh119,900
On sale: Now
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Company Profile
Name: Raha
Started: 2022
Based: Kuwait/Saudi
Industry: Tech Logistics
Funding: $14 million
Investors: Soor Capital, eWTP Arabia Capital, Aujan Enterprises, Nox Management, Cedar Mundi Ventures
Number of employees: 166
MATHC INFO
England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)
New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)
if you go
The flights
Fly direct to Kutaisi with Flydubai from Dh925 return, including taxes. The flight takes 3.5 hours. From there, Svaneti is a four-hour drive. The driving time from Tbilisi is eight hours.
The trip
The cost of the Svaneti trip is US$2,000 (Dh7,345) for 10 days, including food, guiding, accommodation and transfers from and to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This summer the TCT is also offering a 5-day hike in Armenia for $1,200 (Dh4,407) per person. For further information, visit www.transcaucasiantrail.org/en/hike/
THE BIO:
Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.
Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.
Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.
Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.
