South Africa vs England, 2019-20: 2nd Test – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 2nd Test of the four-match series between South Africa and England will be played at the Newlands in Cape Town.

The match starts at 10:30 AM local time (8:30 AM GMT ) (2:00 PM IST). This match can be watched live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

The New Year Test between South Africa and England commences on Friday at the Newlands. The hosts lead the four-match series by 1-0 after they defeated the Joe Root-led side in Centurion. The win has also sparked a start of a new era in South African cricket and Faf du Plessis was pretty optimistic about the good times returning for the Proteas.

England, on the other hand, let themselves down with familiar issues. Moreover, illness to a lot of their players hampered them during the Test as well. They will be hoping to start the year well and it is not going to be easy against this South African side which is literally hungry for success. It is expected to be another close contest much like it was at the Supersport Park.

Weather Report

The weather across five days in Cape Town is absolutely pleasant. Though there is around 25% chance of rain on the fourth day, it shouldn’t worry the teams much. The temperature will hover in the high 20s during the match according to AccuWeather.

Pitch Report

The surface at the Newlands is relatively dry and the spinners are expected to come into play around Day three. The team winning the toss is expected to bat first. The average fourth innings total of 159 at the venue, clearly suggests that it isn’t going to be easy to bat later in the game.

Injury and Availability News

Jofra Archer is in doubt to play this Test. He bowled only six balls while training on January 1 due to a sore elbow. He most likely will be replaced by Dom Bess.

Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa

Dean Elgar, Pieter Malan, Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (WK), Dwaine Pretorious, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.

Bench – Beuran Hendricks, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson, Rudi Second, Keegan Petersen.

England

Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Jofra Archer/Dom Bess, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

Bench – Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, Jofra Archer/Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson

Top Picks:

Faf du Plessis has scored 603 runs in nine Test matches at the venue at an average close to 41 with four half-centuries and a century. He could be one of your top picks for this Test match along with the Proteas wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock. De Kock is in scintillating form with the bat and was clinical behind the stumps as well. Vernon Philander is another brilliant exponent of the new ball. Maharaj will play a crucial role on this pitch.

For England, Burns has been the unsung hero ever since making his debut and for that matter, even Joe Denly. Ben Stokes has to be in your team whenever England plays across any format. Sam Curran is another utility player when it comes to picking in Fantasy teams.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Faf du Plessis, Ben Stokes, Quinton de Kock

Vice-Captain Options – Joe Root, Rory Burns, Vernon Philander

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock

Batters – Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Rory Burns

All-Rounders – Vernon Philander, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes (VC)

Bowlers – Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Stuart Broad

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Jos Buttler

Batters – Faf du Plessis, Pieter Malan, Joe Root (C), Dominic Sibley

All-Rounders – Vernon Philander (VC), Dwaine Pretorius, Ben Stokes

Bowlers – Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, James Anderson

Expert Advice

Joe Root can be skipped from the Fantasy team. Though it might seem a risky move, the England skipper is accumulating comparatively less runs and the likes of Sam Curran and Joe Denly combined can score those many runs. The main reason for not picking him is his 10 credits which are way too much.

Keshav Maharaj will have a major impact in the second innings of the match. He should be picked in your Fantasy team and could even be a surprise top pick for this match.

Probable Winners

South Africa are expected to win this match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.