Interested in 2nd Test Predictions ENG vs SA?
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Background
England were brought back to earth after a heady run of success in Test cricket.
They lost to SA by an innings and 12 runs, that too on the hallowed Lords ground.
They were dismantled by a potent South African attack that featured 4 seamers and a lone spinner in Keshav Maharaj.
Despite this, English captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have stated that they will not forsake the attacking intent and look to dominate the bowlers.
‘Bazball’ will continue to be the driving philosophy.
Ollie Pope was one of the few bright spots in the English innings.
He played a lone hand, making 78 off 102 balls while wickets tumbled at the other end.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada bagged five wickets for 52 runs as England crumbled to 165 all out.
In reply, SA produced a gritty batting display with handsome contributions from Dean Elgar (47), Sarel Erwee (73), Jansen (48) and Keshav Maharaj (41).
Anrich North was the chief destroyer in the innings with 3 wickets as England caved to an innings defeat within 3 days.
Key stats from 1st Test
Sarel Erwee was the top run-scorer for South Africa with 73 runs. He slammed 6 fours.
Dean Elgar played a captain’s innings and looked solid in his innings of 47 runs.
Kagiso Rabada picked up 7 wickets at an average of 11 and an economy rate of 2.96.
Anrich Nortje grabbed 6 wickets at an average of 18.1.
Ollie Pope and Stuart Broad scored fifties for England.
Stuart Broad was the best bowler for England. He bagged 3 wickets at an average of 23.
Ben Stokes also contributed with 3 wickets.
Head to Head Record
The two teams have met 154 times so far.
England has dominated these contests by winning 64 of these.
SA have won just 35 of these.
55 matches ended in a draw.
Team News
Brendon McCullum believes in giving players lots of chances and this may mean Zak Crawley keeps his place.
However, this might be Crawley’s last chance and he will be under pressure.
Ollie Robinson could come in for Matthew Potts.
Mark Boucher won’t make too many changes to the side despite the middle-order not performing upto potential.
Spinner Simon Harmer may get a look in if the Old Trafford pitch looks a bit dry.
England 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 Playing 11
Dean Elgar (C), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Aiden Markram, Khaya Zondo, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje
Key Stats that might impact Test
England have won 4 of their last 5 Test matches.
England have been the victors in 4 of their last 6 Tests against South Africa.
England’s Joe Root can come good any time. In his last 9 Test innings, he has scored 3 centuries – 115, 176 & 142 not out.
South Africa’s Dean Elgar has been a beacon of consistency. He has scored 67, 64, 70 & 47 runs in his last 5 Test innings.
Stuart Broad has a terrific record at Old Trafford. He has bagged 40 wickets at an average of 19.65. This is the second-best tally at Old Trafford after Alec Bedser’s 51 wickets.
Who will win
Considered the current form, we predict South Africa will win or the Test will be drawn.
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