South Africa vs England, 2019-20 – 3rd Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The 3rd Test of the four-match series between South Africa and England will be played at the St. George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

The match starts at 10 AM local time (8:00 AM GMT ) (1:30 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

After more than a week’s break, South Africa and England will continue their rivalry in the ongoing four-match Test series. The fierce contest is expected to go to another level with the series levelled at 1-1 currently. While South Africa thumped the visitors in the opening game, the Three Lions came back strongly in the New Year Test. There is all to play for in the third Test and a victory will help the teams take an unassailable lead in the series.

For the starters, South Africa have announced an unchanged squad for this game and are unlikely to make any change to their playing XI either. England lost their talisman James Anderson’s services due to injury while their spinner Jack Leach has also returned home. The tourists though would be thankful to their stars that the situation is better than what it was during the series opener.

Weather Condition/Report

The conditions are expected to change over the course of five days in Port Elizabeth. While it will be humid and a little bit cloudy on the opening day, showers are predicted late in the day on the third day. There is also an afternoon shower prediction on the final day should the game go that deep.

Pitch Report

Last year when South Africa and Sri Lanka played at the venue, the surface was spicier with the fast bowlers picking 23 of the 32 wickets to fall. If a similar wicket is on offer, it will be interesting to see if the team winning the toss bowls first. Batting became relatively later in the game and the same could be the case this time around. Also, there is a chance of the spinners coming into the game on Day 4 and 5. Traditionally, the pitch is known to be slow.

Injury and Availability News

James Anderson has been ruled out of the series due to injury while Jack Leach has returned home after failing to recover from various illnesses in New Zealand and South Africa.

South Africa have named an unchanged squad for the third Test.

Probable Playing XIs

South Africa

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

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

England

Zak Crawley, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad.

Bench – Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson

Top Picks

Dominic Sibley is the highest run-getter of the series so far with 200 runs in four innings. Joe Root and Ben Stokes follow him at number three and four in the list and these three could be England’s top pick for this match. Sam Curran provides that all-round option and most importantly has picked 8 wickets with the ball and has looked a much better bowler than Broad and Anderson at times.

For South Africa, Pieter Malan looks a decent top-order batsman while Quinton de Kock has scored 199 runs for them in four innings. Rassie van der Dussen has shown nerves of steel with the bat. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have picked 12 and 10 wickets respectively and should be picked. Vernon Philander has also offered control with the ball and can’t be ignored.

Special Stat: Faf du Plessis is out of form but his record at St. George’s Park is staggering. He has amassed 509 runs in six Test matches at an average of 72.71 with a couple of centuries.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

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

Vice-Captain Options – Joe Root, Sam Curran, Dominic Sibley

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock (VC)

Batters – Rassie van der Dussen, Dean Elgar, Joe Root, Dominic Sibley

All-Rounders – Vernon Philander, Sam Curran, Ben Stokes (C)

Bowlers – Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Mark Wood

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock

Batters – Faf du Plessis (C), Pieter Malan, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope

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

Bowlers – Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj

Expert Advice

Faf du Plessis amazing record at the venue might tempt you to pick him. In that case, if South Africa bat first, he can be picked. Also, not many will not make him C or VC of their Dream11 Fantasy side and you can take that punt in Grand League contests.

Probable Winners

South Africa is expected to win the third Test and take a 2-1 lead in the series.

*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.