Old Trafford Friday 4th August
As we head to the final Test of the series, what are we to make of these two flawed teams?
So far in this series results have been as follows
Lord\’s: England won by 211 runs
Trent Bridge: South Africa won by 340 runs
The Oval: England won by 239 runs
None of the games have been close and each side that has won the toss and batted has won the game. There have been standout performers on both sides but both sides have weaknesses and neither has applied themselves when “behind” in the game
Against this background, where forecasting which of the teams will turn up and put in a solid performance, the final test of the series takes place at Old Trafford Manchester on Friday
It is normally a fine batting pitch, though the recent very wet weather may mean there is more moisture around than is normal in early August. Most likely though, win the toss and bat is the name of the game
England will have one decision for the game in terms of team selection, with the possibility of a return for Dawson over Malan. Coach Bayliss is unconvinced of the need for eight batsman and there is a curious reluctance to treat Moeen Ali (18 wickets this series, the top wicket taker on either side) as the front line spinner.
Whatever they decide the likes of Cook, Root, Stokes and Ali have all had consistent series and helped paper over the cracks elsewhere in the batting line up, which performed with more application at the Oval.
In the bowling ranks the depth of seam bowling has generally had the better of the South Africans. Roland-Jones finished with 8 for 129, the best figures on debut by an England bowler since in 2003 and with Anderson and Broad to call on England will be confident of having the upper hand again
For South Africa in their last 12 Test innings, the top two batsmen have averaged 12.91 with a best stand of 21. The batting order also needs to be changed, with DeKock probably too high at number 4. In Elgar, De Kock and Amla there are top class players to call upon but it isn’t quite gelling at the moment
South Africa were unlucky at the Oval where Philander, a real handful in the helpful conditions, fell ill and they were unable to rive home an advantage when England batted
first and lost early wickets. They ere unlucky the game before when Rabada was suspended. Beyond those two and the emerging spinner Maharaj though the support bowling has been inconsistent and a major difference between the two sides.
Odds for the final test on green listed bookmakers are England 5/6, South Africa 5/2 and the Draw 3/1.Once again, in the absence of prolonged bad weather there seems nothing to suggest a draw is likely. Whilst they aren’t the most reliable of betting prospects given the inconsistency, you have to say England at 5/6 (Stan James) looks a very fair price to win the match and take a series where they have a tram with more depth.
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