England will be hoping to continue their fine run in the test arena when they
come up against a South African side in the first test of the three match England
South Africa series this coming Thursday 10th July 2008 at the Lords
in England. South Africa and England both have proved to be strong contenders
for Australia's crown atop the World championships and a victory here will go
a long way in determining the ultimate contender to Australia.
Click for Live Score Card of England vs South Africa
South Africa have brought a strong team forward to this test at the Lords.
South Africa have never won a test series in their entire history in England
and despite coming close over and over again in recent years, the Proteas have
never quite been able to make the final stretch and secure a test victory over
England. However, South Africa do possess an excellent record at the Lords winning
their previous two test matches here. Their last clash in 2003 saw Greame Smith
come to age as the then newly crowned South African skipper struck a brilliant
double century to deny England. South Africa have brought in a strong squad
and despite the retirement of top swing bowler Shaun Pollock, the likes
of Dale Steyn and Andre Nel are good enough to make a strong impact
on swinging conditions in Lords. The batting does bear a settled look with Hasim
Amla and Neil McKenzie both establishing first team berths . South Africa come
into this series on the back of a 1-1 stalemate against India back in February
and with England having lost much of their momentum due to losses against New
Zealand in the One Dayers, South Africa will be hoping to finally break
their jinx in England with a win over England in the test series commencing
this coming Thursday.
England on the other hand, have been in mixed form with a poor ODI record going
hand in hand with some excellent test form. Since their loss to New Zealand
in the opening test match in Auckland, England have been in winning form and
have since secured over four victories in five matches over the Kiwis both home
and away. Bolstered by a 2-0 success against New Zealand last time around, England
will come into this clash full of confidence and the form of their fast bowlers
will give them much confidence going into this clash. Ryan Sidebottom
has been in brilliant form of late and the left armer has been instrumental
to much of England's success in recent years. Sidebottom's resurgence in form
has also gone hand in hand with the form of James Anderson, who ripped New Zealand
apart in the summer. The tour also sees the return to action of star all rounder
Andrew Flintoff who has been injured for quite some time. With Monty
Panesar in the frame as well, the bowling bears a settled look and they will
be hoping to exploit bowler friendly conditions in Lords. The batting on the
other hand, has never quite fulfilled it's immense potential with Kevin Pietersen
in particular guilty of some rather inept performances of late. However, the
return to form of Michael Vaughan might change it all as England look
to continue their winning ways against South Africa in the first test at Lords
this coming Thursday 10th May 2008.
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