Cricket Betting: South Africa vs England 2nd Test Preview
South Africa and England resume their rivalry in the New Year with the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town on Saturday 2nd January. England have drawn first blood in the four match series while South Africa looked lost and overwhelmed.
Both teams will welcome 2016 for different reasons. South Africa would want to erase the bad memories of last year and start afresh but questions still remain unanswered on the team balance. England, on the other hand, would be eager to continue what has been a very good 2015.
The batting problems continued to haunt the Proteas in the first Test as they struggled in Durban. Apart from the tenacious Dean Elgar and the dependable AB de Villiers, none of the batsmen showed enough grit and determination – something which you always associate with South Africa. The bad form of Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis seems to be weighing hard on the team.
Dale Steyn got injured midway into the first Test and will be out of action at Cape Town which is a huge loss. Quinton de Kock is certain to play as a keeper reducing the burden on AB but questions remain on who will replace Steyn. Kagiso Rabada could be an option but don’t be surprised if Chris Morris is preferred for his all-round abilities.
England, on the other hand, have covered all their bases in the first game. While Alastair Cook floundered with the bat, most of his decisions as captain clicked – which should keep him in good spirits. Nick Compton eased into his number three role, though the pace of his runs is questioned.
James Taylor, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow also pulled their weight with credible performances and will be eager to continue their good form. With the ball, it was Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali who hogged the limelight. The return of James Anderson will be a huge boost and Cook will have more ammunition to trouble the hosts further. The striking ability of Ben Stokes will continue to be the X-factor.
For the hosts, Elgar looks accomplished to continue his form at the top and should be a good bet to be South Africa’s best batsman in the first innings at odds of $5.50 at William Hill. For England, Cook will be relieved to see the back of Steyn and could be their best batsman in the first innings at odds of $4.50 at William Hill.
Cape Town is a lucky ground for South Africa having lost only to Australia since 1992 and boasting a 17-0 record against other teams. Also, there were no draws at this venue since 2012 and is the only home venue where the Proteas haven’t lost to England. Another loss would be ground shattering for the hosts who is waiting for someone to change the tide.
Who will it be? Can South Africa continue their good record at the Newlands? The bookies can barely split them with England slight favourites at $2.30, South Africa $2.48 and a Draw at $4.60 at William Hill.
