It’s that auspicious time. The white-ball leg of the tour has come to an end, with the Proteas claiming the spoils of war in the T20Is after a drawn ODI series. But now it’s time for the ultimate Battle Royale in the longer format.
Both teams are heading into the Test series with momentum. England successfully swept New Zealand 3-0 and followed that up with a win against India. South Africa successfully defended their home turf against India, and thoroughly vanquished Bangladesh 2-0 in April.
There’s been continued buzz about England’s confidence and a more avant-garde, aggressive approach with the bat commonly referred to as “Bazball”, named after their newly appointed Test coach – ex-Blackcaps batter Brendon McCullum. Interestingly enough, McCullum has criticized the use of the term, but lauded the calculated risks the batters have taken.
Considering the fact that England took down the World Champions and the second-ranked Test team in successive games, it’s fair to say that they pose a unique threat for the Proteas.
However, skipper Dean Elgar has boldly questioned the sustainability of England’s new style of Test cricket. Earlier this year, the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi bowled tremendous spells against seasoned Indian batters, and Elgar has backed his bowling attack to deliver.
Weather
The weather does not look that promising heading into the series. With rain predicted on days 1, 3 and 5.
On the radar
Aiden Markram
The solid right-hander began his international career in the Test format, but more recently, he’s made himself an indispensable fixture in the T20I side and his consistency in Tests has fallen off. And given that both Sarel Erwee and Keegan Petersen have taken advantage of their early opportunities, it remains to be seen if Markram will be a confirmed starter for the first game at Lord’s on Wednesday. He does offer a part-time bowling choice with his offspin, but his primary skill – scoring runs – is a more reliable barometer to see if he will break into the XI.
Kagiso Rabada
The experienced, world-class quick has also been the center of discussion, more so due to his availability. He was forced to sit out of the third T20I against England due to an ankle ligament injury, and as a matter of fact, that was serious enough to sideline him from the T20Is against Ireland. Proteas coach Mark Boucher made it clear that getting him as close as possible to his 100% ahead of the first Test is the principal priority, but will he be match-ready in time? We don’t know for sure yet. In any case, he’s the spearhead for the pace attack, and his absence could compromise the intensity the SA bowling lineup is known for.
Jonny Bairstow
The resurgence of the hard-hitting keeper-batter from Yorkshire has been a shot in the arm for the hosts. He scored four centuries in the last three Tests, with twin tons against India. Known to score briskly with versatile strokeplay all around the ground, Bairstow will be the key to producing counterattacking partnerships as well as getting the team out of sticky situations, as he did in the second Test against New Zealand. In addition, he seems to have overcome his long-standing technical flaw of driving at deliveries that aren’t full enough.
Potential XI’s
There’s no doubt that the Proteas starting XI for the first Test will be a little tricky to predict.
The top order should be straightforward – Elgar, Erwee, and Petersen. All three have been in reliable form. It’ll be a stern test for the latter two, who have played a total of 11 Tests between them.
Now here comes the real conundrum: the middle order. The in-form Temba Bavuma is on the road to recovery from his elbow injury, which has sidelined him from this series.
Rassie van der Dussen has been a frequent feature but has struggled to convert solid starts into bigger scores.
Aiden Markram had a forgettable series against India but he’s open to a more pliable role in the batting unit. An excellent showing in the second innings of the tour match may put him in contention.
Khaya Zondo is in the mix as well, courtesy his excellent domestic season as well as a sprightly 86 against the England Lions.
Finally, Ryan Rickelton is coming off a rich vein of form in the county circuit for Northants. It might be only four games in Division 2, but early adjustment to conditions can be very handy.
The Proteas don’t have a true all-round option in this squad, and the closest semblance they have is Marco Jansen. Will they opt for 4 main bowling options alongside 7 batters?
If yes, it’s less likely he may play. And they’re keenly waiting on a fitness report for Kagiso Rabada. If he doesn’t recover in time, one out of Glenton Stuurman or Lutho Sipamla will get selected.
Dean Elgar (c)
Sarel Erwee
Keegan Petersen
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
Ryan Rickelton/Khaya Zondo/Marco Jansen
Kyle Verreynne (wk)
Keshav Maharaj/Simon Harmer
Kagiso Rabada
Lungi Ngidi
Anrich Nortje
When it comes to the England XI, most of the team composition can be guessed beforehand.
Alex Lees has just started to find his rhythm in Test cricket, and Zak Crawley is continuing to get backed to come out of the rut. And it’s a similar case with Ollie Pope at first drop, which isn’t a position where he’s often batted.
The ever-so-reliable trio of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow select themselves, and it’s likely Ben Foakes will keep wickets, effectively making it 7 batters for England.
The evergreen James Anderson and Stuart Broad are both expected to play, as is Jack Leach, the only spinner named in the squad. It’s a toss-up between Matthew Potts and the more experienced Ollie Robinson when it comes to the third seamer’s spot. With all things considered, it’s possible that Robinson may edge out Potts and get a game.
Despite these thoughts, England made it easy for us by releasing their XI on Tuesday.
Alex Lees
Zack Crawley
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Jonny Bairstow
Ben Stokes (c)
Ben Foakes (wk)
Stuart Broad
Jack Leach
Matthew Potts
James Anderson
The 1st Test between England vs South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Time: 12pm SAST (11:00 am local BST)
Check out the full preview of the 1st Test below:
