30 December 2019, by: The Popping Crease

South Africa v England: Second Test Preview

The second Test of the series will be at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground for the traditional New Year’s Test. South Africa are buoyed by their convincing first Test win and will be looking to continue their dominance over England in the second Test.

It was a new start for South African Cricket after a tumultuous few weeks behind the scenes. They needed to leave what was a miserable year behind, they needed a win.

What was the most pleasing thing about their victory was how they played, they played as a team, they had passion and purpose.
South Africa recorded their first Test win for 11 months and their first under their new management.

Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada were outstanding with the second new ball on Day 4. They were ruthless. Something which has been lacking from their game.

Top-order runs are once again an issue for the Proteas, who found themselves 97-4 in the first innings and 62-4 in the second. They cannot keep relying on Quinton de Kock, and their lower order to score the bulk of the runs.

South Africa need to have a solid opening stand, they have failed to reach an opening stand of fifty in their last 15 Test innings. That is a serious cause for concern and one that Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis need to address.

South Africa handed debuts to both Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius, and they did not disappoint. Rassie becoming the first player, ever, to score a half-century on his T20, ODI and Test debut. When it’s said he belongs in international cricket, this what we mean. Dwaine Pretorius scored more than handy runs in the first innings and took a vital wicket in both innings at a good economy rate.

South Africa’s new head coach, Mark Boucher, has immediately shown why he is the best man for the job with his assertive decisions. He has confirmed that 30-year old opener for the Cape Cobras, Pieter Malan will make his debut in the second Test, saying that he wants a specialised opener instead of shuffling the middle order around. All I have to say to that is, Thank you, Boucher.

England were hampered by illness in the build-up to the first Test, but with Chris Woakes looking to be improving, England might look to replace one of Broad or Anderson with him. 2019 has not been a good year for their Test team, having won only four of the 12 Tests they have played this year. They will hope 2020 brings them more luck.

Faf’s captaincy was on point in the first Test, he trusted his bowlers to do the job he asked of them, and that was most evident as he continued to bowl Keshav Maharaj after he was smacked for 13 runs off one over, and came back the next to remove Stokes with a brilliant and brave delivery. If Faf continues in this form, South Africa will be very difficult to beat.

Playing in his debut Test, Pieter Malan will have to demonstrate the same determination and skill he possesses in franchise cricket, where he averages a very healthy 45 after 148 first-class matches. After the Proteas’ struggles at the top, he will be key to ensuring they get off to a good start and lay a platform for the middle order to capitalize on.

Kagiso Rabada showed exactly what makes him such a lethal bowler in the Test arena. He was accurate and fast. If he continues to bowl like this in the rest of the series, England better watch out.

South Africa have a good record at Newlands Cricket Ground, having won their last four Tests at this venue, beating Sri Lanka, India, Australia and Pakistan. The Newlands Faithful will give the Barmy Army a run for their money as the most passionate fans.

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