The four-Test series between South Africa and England is nicely poised at 1-1. England fought their way back into the series brilliantly in the second test, thanks to a big performance from Ben Stokes.
Whoever comes out on top in this one will at least ensure that they won’t get beaten in the series. Can England stamp their authority over the hosts again with players coming into form?
Read our South Africa vs England betting tip for more details.
South Africa v England odds*
England 6/5
South Africa 13/10
Draw 5/1
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 15th, 2020 at 2:17 pm)
Masters Cricket Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Can England find consistency?
After taking a hammering at the Centurion in the opening test of this series, some serious questions were being asked of England. Their preparations for that opening fixture though we’re just about as bad as they could have possibly been, including an illness rampaging through the squad.
England collapsed on day four to suffered a 107 run defeat. But then Joe Root’s men showed massive character to become the first England team to win in Cape Town since 1957. Big performances from Jimmy Anderson, Dom Sibley and then Ben Stokes with bat and ball helped England land the success.
So that tied up the series ahead of this third Test. But England are a team who remain up and down. In none of their last nine Test Matches have they managed to secure back-to-back victories. That’s what is missing from them.
They are still looking for a settled opening duo, as situation made worse with Rory Burns being injured playing football. England have also lost Jack Leach to illness, as well as James Anderson and Jofra Archer to injury. So once again with situational changes, consistency may be a tough thing to find.
Head to head
England and South Africa have both won 16 tests each from 49 meetings
South Africa have won four of 11 home series against England
Key-Facts – South Africa vs England
- South Africa won the first test by 109 runs
- England claimed the second test victory by 189 runs
- South Africa have lost four of their last five Tests
Can the Proteas bounce back?
South Africa made a host of changes to their squad ahead of this Test series, looking towards some youth to shake things up a bit. In the conditions at St George for this third Test, they will likely stick with a spin bowler as opposed to trying to take the more hostile search of extra pace.
South Africa have been good with the ball in hand, notably with Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander who has been metronomically brilliant. Rumours are circulating that Faf de Plessis, who is badly out of form, is now under pressure as captain. Their form over their last five Test is W1 L4.
South Africa v England Prediction and tip
This again looks like a contest which could swing either way. There isn’t much between the two sides and St George generally plays as a slow pitch.
The Cape Town area has been very hot and dry, which could cause the pitch to rough up the ball quickly. So reverse swing could play into England’s hands later in the contest.
England won their last trip to Port Elizabeth and even though the loss of Anderson is a huge blow to them, they may be able to squeak out the win at 6/5* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 15th, 2020 at 2:17 pm)
