ENG vs SA, Match Preview, Head to Head, Playing XI and Broadcast Details

Match Preview

England and South Africa are all set to lock horns in a three-match Test series with the first Test starting on the 17th of August at Lord’s. The Ben Stokes-led side last played a Test against India which they won comfortably and have been surprising the fans with a positive approach in their batting style.

They have recorded some memorable chases from difficult positions and the new combination of Stokes and Brendon McCullum has reaped a lot of rewards already. However, South Africa have a strong Test lineup composed of fast bowlers who can rip apart any batting order along with Keshav Maharaj’s left-arm spin.

The Proteas batting order looks a lot more settled with Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram holding up the middle order. The skipper Dean Elgar will be key to the success while Keegan Petersen is one of the exceptional talents going around. A nail-biting thriller is expected between the two sides.

Pitch Conditions

The Lord’s pitch has been one of the most difficult for the batters but it does get better once the days progress. The first hour is always vital. The skipper winning the toss will be looking to bowl first and take advantage of the new ball which does a lot generally in the first hour in Lord’s conditions. Rain is expected for a major part of the first day which might hamper the momentum of the batting side a lot.

Playing Combinations for ENG vs SA

England

England’s new Test strategy of going with four seamers and a spinner has been quite effective and Ben Foakes is set to return to the side after missing out on the rescheduled Test against India due to injury. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley will open the innings, while in-form batters Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will form the middle order. The veteran duo of Anderson and Broad will take the new ball while Matty Potts has been a sensation so far.

Predicted Playing XI:

Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matty Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson

South Africa

South Africa will miss the services of Temba Bavuma due to an injury, while Sarel Erwee is expected to slot into the opening position after Aiden Markram has been switched to the middle order in Tests. The fast bowling trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi will be potent with the ball alongside all-rounders Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen.

Predicted Playing XI:

Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

ENG vs SA Head to Head

Played – 153 | England – 64 | South Africa – 34 | Draw – 55

ENG vs SA Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 3:30 PM IST

Telecast & Live Streaming: SONY TEN Network, Sony LIV app