England in SAffer.

[backfootpunch]

I know it's completely different conditions, but seeing the saffer batsman struggle so badly in India, realy gives me hope for this tour... they have struggled against the seamers just as much, and have made Ishant look like a world beater at times, there are serious flaws in the saffer batting line up, and our bowling attack should be licking their lips

amla and faf being out of form could be big

there batting line up looks like australias, if you can get amla and AB out they are going to struggle (just like warner and smith with the aussies)

[Arthur Crabtree]

Three of the seven batters are du Plessis, Amla and ABDV. Three of the bowlers are Steyn, Morkel and Philander. England have only two batters and two bowlers who have been functional over the last 12 months. SA still look the more likely side. Their weaknesses have to be set against England's.

[Dr Cricket]

Plus they are playing at home.

[Making_Splinters]

Anyone who thinks that the current tour will have any impact on the upcoming tour needs to seek professional assistance. The only plus for England is Faf looks terrible at present.

[Slipstream]

Always worried about fast bowlers getting enough match practice before a Test. Steyn is going to play in a 4 day match for the Cape Cobras. It will be better than our two day warm up match.

I am sure SA will make changes and the Mail thinks Amla might not be captain, to concentrate on his batting. 40.03 as captain 52.51 not captain. De Villiers has only captained in ODIs - 69.29 a captain 45.68 not captain.

[backfootpunch]

I was surprised they picked amla as captain over AB in the first place

[ianp1970]

I know it's completely different conditions, but seeing the saffer batsman struggle so badly in India, realy gives me hope for this tour... they have struggled against the seamers just as much, and have made Ishant look like a world beater at times, there are serious flaws in the saffer batting line up, and our bowling attack should be licking their lips

amla and faf being out of form could be big

there batting line up looks like australias, if you can get amla and AB out they are going to struggle (just like warner and smith with the aussies)

Rather like Cook and Root for us...

[m@tt]

The are a few parallels between the teams. A few batsmen finding their way, no stable opening partnerships, questions marks over the spinner, wicket keeper and third seamer. South Africa are in a stronger position I would say - but it's not a massive margin.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Big Vern is out the first two Tests, but a chance (the Super-Human) Steyn could be back.

[Slipstream]

Rumours Steyn is out of the first Test.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/sport/cricket/2 ... gland-test

[alfie]

Rumours Steyn is out of the first Test.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/sport/cricket/2 ... gland-test

Given the rather less than stellar batting support for Amla and de Villiers at present , a SA team lacking Steyn would seem to offer England at least an opportunity to get a good start in the Test Series...

Of course that requires England to be on the ball from the start of the tour - something they've not always managed in recent years. Incentive is there though.

[andy]

AB to keep for the first two tests...

[Arthur Crabtree]

H Amla (capt), K Abbott, T Bavuma, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, F du Plessis, D Elgar, M Morkel, D Piedt, K Rabada, R Rossouw, D Steyn, S van Zyl.

SA squad for the first Test. ABDV will keep.

[backfootpunch]

no philander no steyn

the first test might be our opportunity to get into the series

though morkel, abbot and rabada are more than useful i suppose

[Arthur Crabtree]

Odd (if Steyn isn't fit) there's no option for four seamers.