Woakes To Replace Anderson For Test In SA

Anderson has been ruled out of the match in Durban, which starts on Boxing Day and is live on Sky Sports 2 HD, with a calf injury. But the issues go deeper than just one series defeat.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has said that South Africa have “a lot at stake” in the four-match Test series against his country’s side, which starts in Durban on Saturday.

Now at the start of the four-Test series in South Africa, the interest is as high as ever. England have an opportunity.

England’s Chris Woakes trains during a practice session.

The bounce of Abbott and Morne Morkel did not unsettle Root at all and so, in the 19th over, Hashim Amla indulged a hunch by tossing the ball to Dane Piedt. Dropping Bell was a big call and it will be interesting to see how England do without his experience.

“I got to look at my Test match game as a whole and the benefit of that is that I’ve scored a few runs this year”. He is due his chance but there are questions for him to answer, especially over his ability to survive the new ball. He is set to become one of England’s best ever batsmen – that’s if he continues being the “rock” in the middle order.

England head coach Trevor Bayliss admits Anderson’s fitness is a worry, saying: “Unfortunately Jimmy’s had a little bit of a tight calf muscle. Always at the top of the order against the new ball and world-class attacks, you’re going to have low scores, so it’s about how you handle that and, when you’re in, make sure you cash-in and go big to compensate”. Conditions in South Africa will suit the quick bowlers more, therefore the Proteas need their inspirational fast bowler to fire and add to his 25 five wicket hauls.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla is refusing to read too much into England’s victory over South Africa A ahead of the first Test.

De Villiers, possibly the most destructive batsman in world cricket, is still a class apart.

“Both teams have come from losing previous tours”, he said.

That defeat highlighted South Africa’s stuttering transition following the retirements of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith, with their replacements struggling to find their feet at global level. Dean Elgar, Stiaan van Zyl and Temba Bavuma will occupy places in the top six, none of whom averages over 35 in Test cricket. Amla said the additional responsibility would only bring the best out of de Villiers.

Taylor was dismissed in fading light, capping a fine comeback from injury by Steyn, who took three for 29. Durban was the venue for the timeless Test between the two nations in 1939. With both the sides being equally polished one can expect the Test series to be competitive as conditions these days tend to produce result-oriented games. “We’re really glad to have him back”. What could not be understood then was the effect of the doubts and fears which have frequently dogged South Africa down the years.

But the Nottinghamshire man thrived under the pressure at Kingsmead, scoring 70 in a crucial stand of 125 with Nick Compton, who reached stumps unbeaten on 63. Moeen Ali, 9. Stuart Broad, 10. Chris Woakes will likely be named replacement for Anderson.

Amla, who dominated when South Africa won in England in 2012, now looks like a liability.