South Africa vs England, 2nd Test, Cape Town: Preview, likely XIs, prediction

South Africa’s new era began in the best possible way at the Centurion, when they closed England out within four days for a 107-run win. The victory had plenty of what the likes of Graeme Smith and Mark Boucher wanted to instil in the team, and as this series progresses, the home side will be looking for more of it.

However, England will point to the fact that half their side had fallen to a bug in the camp, and that they’ll be recovered and much better prepared for the second Test. They will also be encouraged by the fact that, despite their comprehensive victory, there were passages in the match when South Africa didn’t look entirely secure.

On the scoreboard, their batsmen fared better than the visitors, but that also has plenty to do with Quinton de Kock bailing the side out in the first innings scoring 95. More is needed from the South Africa batsmen. This remains a young side, and England are at the other end of the evolutionary spectrum, with an experienced core. They can still exploit the inexperience, or so the visitors will hope.

That said, England’s own batting woes are longstanding and well-documented. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje exploited it at The Centurion, and the deal is simple: If England can’t improve their resistance with the bat, they can kiss the series goodbye.

Head to head

These two sides have clashed in 150 Test matches over the years, going all the way back to 1889. England are the far superior side overall, with 61 wins to South Africa’s 34. However, in the last decade, South Africa have the upper hand, with six wins in 14 matches to England’s five.

Key players

Quinton de Kock (South Africa): South Africa rely heavily on their wicketkeeper-batsman. His 95 in the first innings was crucial in helping the side recover from 111/5 and post 272. In a predominantly young batting line-up, his will once again be the key wicket for England.

Joe Root (England): England’s batting travails are well known, but Joe Root remains the one batsman in the side who can push them through a tough period. He nearly did that in the second innings in the Centurion, despite illness, and South Africa will know if he can be nicked off early, England are there for the taking.

Likely XIs

South Africa: Dean Elgar,Pieter Malan, Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dwayne Pretorius, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje

England: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson

Prediction

South Africa have the confidence and feel-good factor – they’ll make it 2-0.