South Africa v England
There are not many better ways to spend Boxing Day than watching First Test cricket at the Supersport Park, Centurion.
A meeting between the test teams ranked third and fourth in the world is an exciting way to end 2019.
And it will be fascinating to see how the first of four tests unfolds in a country which is keen to put recent months behind them.
Controversies involving officials culminated in demands for the board of Cricket South Africa to resign, the suspension of the chief executive and the appointment of a new cricket-focused leadership.
The crisis in South African cricket then came to a head when five journalists were banned three weeks ago, leading to major sponsors putting pressure on Cricket South Africa.
Now it’s definitely time to let the players do the talking and revert back to what the sport should be all about.
Talking Points
The main test cricket news surrounds illness.
England have had concerns in recent days and were forced to revise their final preparations for this Test due to the bug sweeping the camp – their warm-up against South Africa A was downgraded from first-class status.
They have called up Somerset pair, fast bowler Craig Overton and off-spinner Dominic Bess, as cover.
Meanwhile, South Africa have named six uncapped players in their squad for the first two Test matches.
The Proteas are in the midst of a shake-up on and off the field with former captain Graeme Smith taking over as interim director of cricket and Mark Boucher recently appointed head coach.
The selectors have given them a handful of fresh options to consider for this opener and the New Year Test in Cape Town.
Fast bowlers Dane Paterson and Beuran Hendricks bolster an attack missing the injured Lungi Ngidi, while Pieter Malan and Rassie van der Dussen are the new batsmen. All-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and wicketkeeper Rudi Second complete the group.
The core of the squad that was defeated in India last time out remains, with Faf Du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton De Kock, Dean Elgar, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada all included.
However, with middle-order batsman Bavuma now ruled out due to a hip muscle strain, it could open the door for van der Dussen to make his Test debut for a nation needing to bounce back after five consecutive defeats against Sri Lanka and India.
Regardless of what follows on the pitch in this four-Test series, the current woes of South Africa have sounded alarm bells across the cricket world.
England need to return to winning form themselves, of course.
Having been beaten 1-0 by New Zealand, Chris Silverwood and Joe Root’s side will be looking for a response.
Under Alastair Cook, England clinched a 2-1 victory on their last tour of South Africa four years ago and I expect it will be as tight again overall.
After struggling with illness, I expect at least one of Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach to take to the field yet, even if the trio recover to face the Proteas, England will have to assess whether they are sufficiently prepared for a five-day battle.
England start as slight favourites as they aim to finish 2019 on a high – the climax of course was an unforgettable World Cup triumph which actually began with a tournament opener against South Africa.
Test cricket is very different from the one-day format of course.
History
Since meeting for the first ever time in 1889, these nations have developed a rivalry to behold.
Overall, they have clashed at test level 149 times. England have claimed victory on 60 occasions, South Africa have triumphed 34 times and there have been 55 draws.
And for those who like the quirkier side of the game, an interesting statistic for you: the longest cricket match ever recorded was the `timeless’ Test between England and South Africa at Durban, South Africa.
It ran from March 3-14, 1939. It was eventually abandoned after 10 days (eighth day rained off) because the ship taking the England team home was due to leave. The total playing time was 43 hours 16 minutes and a record Test match aggregate of 1,981 runs was scored.
After the first test, the following three will be at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town (January 3–7, 2020), St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth (January 16-20) and the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (January 24–28).
Betting Tip
The SBOBET test cricket betting odds make England marginal favourites.
They are priced 1X2 @ 2.00, South Africa 1X2 @ 2.105 and the draw @ 4.90.
With Asian Handicap odds, the hosts are available to back with 0.00 @ 1.97 and England 0.00 @ 1.89.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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