South Africa vs England Preview

From the recent ODI series between Australia and England we can draw to a conclusion the ashes would have remained in England, had the  test series been scheduled this summer. Last year, the Indians came as the number 1 but failed to win even single match. While Pakistan and Sri Lanka were at least competitive at times, they never really looked like winning. The West Indies series was trail run for the ultimate challenge, the Proteas.

Do the South Africans stand any chance of beat the English on their own soil. Below are some of the key battles with predictions.

England top 5 vs South Africa Top 5

Openers

The top five batsmen of both teams are nearly as good as each other. South Africa are slightly behind in the fact that Alviro Petersen is still finding establishing himself alongside Graeme Smith compare to Cook and Strauss who have been together now for over 5 years. The other advantage the English openers hold is their record against Dale Steyn. Steyn has only managed to dismiss Strauss once is 8 matches and is yet to dismiss Cook in 5 outings.

England 1 - South Africa 0

Middle Order

In number 3,4 and 5 their is not much separating the players. Although Kallis has found runs hard to come by in the last two tours, one gets the feeling he will rectify that this time around. The only area for concern for England is that Steyn has dismissed Peitersen on 4 occasions in 5 matches and the England number 4 has a mere average of 17 against South Africa's prime bowler.

England 1 - South Africa 1

South Africa lower order vs England Lower order

Number 6, 7, 8

With AB Devilliers taking over  the gloves, it will mean Duminy could bat as low as number 7. However, Duminy average of 34 is still 8 runs lower than England number 7, Matt Prior. The only concern for England is Ravi Bopara at number 6.

The advantage England have is Bopara's failure will not be as catastrophic as failure by Duminy or Rudolf. This is due to the England lower order Swann and Broad are better batsmen than their South African counterparts.

It is the lower order batting that South Africa lack the fire power to score the vital runs. The cumulative average of Duminy, Rudolf, Steyn, Philander is significantly lower than Bopara, Prior, Broad and Bresnan. 

England 1 South Africa 0

South African Bowler vs English Bowlers

Steyn v Anderson

The reason these two teams are the best in the world is because both bowling line-ups are capable of taking 20 wickets in a test match. The pace batteries are quite similar. Steyn and Andersen, swing the ball in both directions and are at peak of their powers. Anderson lacks in pace but is more relentless than his counter part. Steyn is a better bowler in overall but Anderson is just ahead in his own backyard.

England - 1 South Africa - 0

Broad v Morkel

Broad and Morkel are both over 6ft 5 and like to hit the deck. Broad holds a slight advantage because he bowls a slightly fuller length that is required in the England. Morkel will be devastating if he gets his length right but as we saw with Ishant Sharma last year, it is easily said than done. If Morkel can bowl well then suddenly the South African bowling looks more daunting than the English pace men.

England - 1 South Africa - 1

Philander vs Bresnan/Finn

The coming of Philander has ensured South Africa have 3 match winning fast bowlers. Philander phenomenal control makes him threat with the old and the new ball. Bresnan on the other hand will leak runs but can bowl an unplayable delivery and is master at breaking a partnership. With the conditions likely to aid seam, Philander will be a handful with his relentless line and length.

South Africa 1 - England - 0

Swann v Tahir

Although Tahir has come on leaps and bounce he is still quite a long way away from being match winning bowler. Tahir's best form of getting wicket is only when the batsmen cannot pick up his googly. After facing Ajmal and Hearth over the winter one doubts Tahir will worry the Englishmen. Swann on the other hand will be

is genuine match winner. More likely than not the tests will go into the final day and Swann's ability to extract sharp turn will trouble the South Africans.

England 1 South Africa 0

Overall  - England 6 South Africa 3

England in their own backyard will be really tough to beat and could even win the series 2- 0. For South Africa to have any chance, the like of Alviro Petersen and Duminy have to score plenty of runs.

My predication England 2 - 0.