England vs South Africa

Tommy Cockles · July 8, 2008

1st test starts Thursday and after the seemingly endless NZ tests its good to be playing a top side.

Got tickets for Lords Fri & Sat and also for Fri & Sat at the Oval.

Trouble is I think they will be too good for England, and I can't see any other outcome than a SA series victory.

At even money, its a handy bet. 3-0 SA has been heavily backed apparently. Currently 12s on Betfair.

SA at 2s to win at Lords is a decent opening position, I don't think the weather will as much of a factor as some think.

I think England have been complacent in their selection, especially with regards to the batting. Its a long time since 400 was posted in the 1st innings and I saw a stat of when the 5th wicket has fallen in Englands last 10 1st inns and its scary, especially when most of them have been against NZ. Its all very well not changing a winning side but the opposition has been poor and England have made hard work of it, mostly down to not scoring enough runs first up.

The SA pace attack looks strong, and if the ball doesn't swing then Sid & Anderson are nowhere near as dangerous, and Broad is still learning. The one clear advantage is spin but ts hard to see that outweighing the negatives (especially after such a crap summer)

England need Flintoff back to have a chance IMO, would also like Simon Jones to be brought back.

Looking forward to this more than any series since the Ashes and hope I am wrong about the outcome.

Thoughts anyone?

Edited July 8, 2008 by Tommy Cockles

madaboutlfc · July 9, 2008

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