England and South Africa have a strange connection. Till not too long ago, England’s Test side had a number of cricketers born in South Africa. That is perhaps one reason England have done well there in recent times. Now coming to the bout in the greens. It was the summer of 2012 at Lord’s that witnessed a new No. 1 in Test cricket. Powered by a Hashim Amla ton and a fine all-round display from Vernon Philander, South Africa clinched a 51-run win over England as they moved to the top spot in the ICC Test rankings. There began a fruitful journey for the Proteas and barring a couple of months in 2014, they have not parted with the No. 1 mace. Full cricket scorecard: South Africa vs England 2015-16, 1st Test at Durban
In times when we have seen home teams dominating Test series, South Africa were an exception. In between their Sri Lanka tour of 2006 and the recently-concluded tour of India, they had not lost a single Test series away from home. Perhaps that explains the No.1 tag. On the other hand, England have been good visitors to South Africa. So when the sides clash for a Test series starting this Boxing Day, one aspect and that of a one-sided contest can be ruled out.
In the 11 Tests that England have played in South Africa post 2000, they have won four and lost three. Under Michael Vaughan, England won the series 2-1 when they toured in 2004-05. The first match of that series marked the debuts of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn. Five years later, under the South African-born Andrew Strauss, England went one-up at Durban after the 2nd Test but went on to lose the 4th at Johannesburg as the series ended in a draw.
It has been six years since England last toured South Africa, and for many younger players, this will be their first time playing there. England Lions were in South Africa earlier this year, where they drew the unofficial Test series against South Africa A and won the One-Day series 3-1. England are placed No. 5 in the ICC Test rankings, while South Africa are at No. 1, but despite their respective standings England have a realistic chance of beating the depleted Proteas unit. The heroes of Lord’s — Amla and Philander won’t be a potent threat like last time. Amla, now the captain of the side, seems to be a shadow of his glorious past. He managed 118 runs at 16.85 in the India tour as his side was thrashed 3-0. His average did not touch the 20-mark even in the ODIs and T20Is series too.
Psychologically the Test series in India was a huge blow for the Proteas and the only batsman to average over 30 was AB de Villiers. This man will continue to be a threat for England but he selectors have now thrust the wicketkeeping responsibilities on him too. The James Anderson-led bowling attack should look to play with the insecurities of other batsmen who have been having a prolonged dry run. Another blow to South African fortunes is the injury to Philander that sees him out of the first two Tests. Moreover, Dale Steyn, the top ranked bowler in ICC Test rankings, missed the chunk of action in India. Though he has picked in the squad, there are some doubts hovering on his fitness.
South Africa have dropped Imran Tahir, their highest wicket-taker in the India series. The leg-spinner’s ouster implies that South Africa will test England with their pace attack and prepare their wickets accordingly. However, that might just backfire on them as England possess two of the best fast bowlers in Anderson and Stuart Broad. who have been in tremendous form of late. The skilful Anderson had a good Ashes in England and bowled brilliantly in the unresponsive surfaces in the UAE, while Stuart Broad is the second-highest wicket-taker in 2015.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad in 2015:
|
Bowlers |
M |
W |
Ave |
BB |
SR |
Econ. |
5WI |
| J Anderson |
11 |
46 |
22.62 |
6/42 |
51.3 |
2.64 |
2 |
| S Broad |
13 |
51 |
25.09 |
8/15 |
49.7 |
3.02 |
2 |
However, both these bowlers are yet to prove their mettle in South Africa. While Broad averages in the mid-30s in South Africa, Anderson’s average almost touches 39, which is especially strange given that both these bowlers thrive on seaming conditions. Anderson is a wily customer and he is returning to South Africa as a more experienced bowler. This time around he will look forward to improve on those numbers.
The last time these two sides met it did not end on a happy note for England. The Test mace was snatched, controversies came galore, and the cracks to their foundation developed with the South African-born Kevin Pietersen’s texting saga and as captain Strauss retired post the defeat. Revenge will surely be on the mind of Alastair Cook’s men while for South Africa it is rejuvenation time. This Basil D’Oliveira Trophy promises to be a seesaw ride.
(Suvajit Mustafi consumes cricket for lunch, fiction for dinner and munches numerous other snacks throughout the day. Yes, a jack of several trades, all Suvajit dreamt of was being India’s World Cup winning skipper but ended up being a sports writer, author, screenwriter, director, copywriter, graphic designer, sports marketer , strategist, entrepreneur, philosopher and traveller. Donning so many hats, it’s cricket which gives him the ultimate high and where he finds solace. He can be followed at @RibsGully and rivu7)
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