England v South Africa Third Test Betting Tips

After two Tests of contrasting fortunes, we are back to square one. England won the first at the Lord’s with consummate ease while South Africa pummelled them at Nottingham. With the four-match series at 1-1 we head to the Kennington Oval for the Third Test between July 27th – 31st.

It certainly is a contrasting set of emptions for the two teams. England will look to regain the winning edge while South Africa would want to continue their momentum and not let the hosts back into the series. Who will have their way at The Oval?

England’s troubles at the top
Much of England’s troubles start and end with their top order. Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings and Gary Ballance have not been consistent with their starts putting a lot of pressure on Root as a batsman.

Ballance will miss this Test due to a finger injury and will be replaced by debutant Tom Westley. Root will also have a lot of thinking to do around his spin section that currently has Moeen Ali and Liam Dawson. Both not too dissimilar in what they bring to the side, Dawson could be the one to miss out.

Another cause of concern is the poor form if bowlers. James Anderson is nowhere close to his best while Mark Wood is struggling to live up to the expectations.

Confident Proteas
Faf du Plessis missed the first Test and South Africa looked flat at the Lord’s. Their discipline too was back at Nottingham as Vernon Philander and Hashim Amla showed England the virtue of playing old-fashioned Test cricket.

JP Duminy has been released from the squad and frankly he has no chance of crashing into the playing XI. Keshav Maharaj has performed admirably at Nottingham and should once again be their sole spinner. The return of Kagiso Rabada after being suspended for one match, should boost the visitors.

Line-ups
England have a chance of playing three debutants in this match. Westley is confirmed to replace Ballance while Dawid Malan and Toby Roland-Jones are in contention too at the expense of Dawson and Wood.

For South Africa, Rabada should replace Duanne Oliver.

Stats
England may have won just once in their last five matches at The Oval but overall their record stands at 40 wins, 37 draws and 22 losses in 99 matches. Against South Africa the record stands at six wins, seven draws and just one loss in 14 matches. The loss, however, came in the last match on this ground between these sides played in 2012.

Picks
Both teams have been inconsistent with their performances while being generous at collapses. England’s win is still favoured by the market at odds of $2.10 (Ladbrokes) while a Proteas’ win comes at odds of $2.20 (Ladbrokes). Back the visitors to win.

TIP: South Africa to win – $2.20 at Ladbrokes

Root has shown that captaincy hasn’t robbed him of his batting form. Back the right hander to top the English batting charts in the first innings at odds of $3.50 (Ladbrokes).

Philander’s control makes him a potent threat with the new ball. Back him at odds of $1.60 (Ladbrokes) to take over 1.5 wickets in the first innings.

TIP: Philander to take over 1.5 wickets in the first innings – $1.60 at Ladbrokes

TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY