17th Jul 2012 | Cricket
England v South Africa Test Series Preview
England are top of the world rankings but have won only one of their last five series against South Africa.
The world number one Test ranking is on the line as England take on South Africa in a three-match series starting on Thursday. The hosts are 11/10 (Bet365) to win the series but are taking on formidable opposition.
Graeme Smith led his team to victory on his last visit to England and he is 3/1 (Paddy Power) to repeat that feat. He will be relying on his pace attack to wreak havoc again with Dale Steyn 2/1 (Bet365) to be his side’s leading wicket taker, an honour that went to Morne Morkel (4/1 Stan James) in 2008. However, don’t rule out the upcoming Vernon Philander (13/5 Bet365) who has taken an incredible 51 wickets in 7 Tests at an average of 14.15.
Andrew Strauss has firepower of his own to call upon with James Anderson 9/4 (Skybet) to be England’s leading wicket-taker. In the batting line-up, Kevin Pietersen returns to face his old country and is 7/1 (Skybet) to be the leading overall run scorer in the series.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:56 17th Jul, 2012 but subject to change
