South Africa should pull it's overall game together after the Durban Test

 England won the Durban Test in a convincing manner, it outplayed South Africa in all the departments. 

I still think that there is not much difference between the two sides, but South Africa's overall game is under scrutiny. 

There is not much South Africa can do except stick to the basics and complement each other on and off the field, they are still the no.1 team in the world.

Steyn's injury should be a cause of concern but not to an extent that overall team's performance is affected.  

One or two players performance or failure never should bother a team.

Before the start of the first Test, James Anderson's non availability  due to calf strain was big news as everyone knows his contribution to the England side.

Steven Finn, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes combined well to keep the pressure on South Africa in crucial stages. Moeen Ali already among the wickets repeated the performance at Durban.

It was a mixed bag of luck for South Africa as van Zyl was out 2nd ball of the innings, thus exposing an out of form Amla very soon in the first innings. 

Amla could only defend some but not all from Broad's usual probing line with a hard new ball. The way South Africa lost seven wickets in the first innings on the third day too proved an advantage for the England team, securing a vital 89 runs.

England team looks solid both with the bat and the ball and everything seems to be going there way at the moment, which is a very positive sign for the remainder of the series.

South Africa on the other hand should pull it's overall game together and tighten up the loose ends.


Valleyz.Blog

Despite Dean Elgar's ton England on top on the third day at stumps at the Durban Test 2015

 South Africa were bowled out for 214 handing over a handsome lead of 89 runs to England in the first innings at Kingsmead, Durban. Dean Elgar notched a well battled hundred and carried the bat through the innings remaining not out on 118.

South Africa lost it's last six wickets for just 70 odd runs, 

SA 137/4, ENG 303 Elgar 67* Bavuma10* Stuart Broad took 3/16 and Moeen Ali 1 wicket at stumps on Day 2 at Durban. #Cricket #SAvENG #SAvsENG

— CricketCorner (@PlayingCricket_) December 27, 2015

 Moeen Ali  added three wickets to his overnight tally of 1 wicket and Steven Finn finished off the tail.

Questions has been raised about the way South Africa batted. Are they too much dependent on some of the players? Are they not playing spin that well?

I think England bowled really well,  even in the absence of James Anderson due to a calf strain.

James Anderson doubtful for Boxing Day Test against South Africa after calf scan #Cricket

— CricketCorner (@PlayingCricket_) December 23, 2015

 Stuart Broad making early inroads in the South African top order with consistently probing line. Made batting difficult for South Africa batsmen taking the wickets of Van Zyl, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.

Dale Steyn went for a scan that made South Africa a bowler short and there were a number of dropped chances behind the stumps while Morkel bowled.

Though England is on top of the game, but South Africa didn't play that bad as it looked. England lead by 261 runs with seven wickets in hand.

I think 400 would be a total England would be looking to set for South Africa to chase in the second innings.

If South Africa can bat for long hours it can still salvage a draw, but England has got more balanced bowling unit, only a determined effort can save South Africa now.

Valleyz.Blog

South Africa vs England 2015 first Test at Durban - Overview

According to reports England's James Anderson is confirmed injured due to a calf strain ahead of the first Test between England and South Africa at Durban on Boxing Day.

That is pretty bad news for the visitors as James Anderson is the spearhead of the English attack, in his absence Steven Finn is likely to play for England.

Meanwhile the hosts are confident of a solid performance with the return of Dale Steyn in the attack supported by Morkel, Rabada, Abbot and others.

Pitch is likely to suit pacers, and South Africa are likely to have the home advantage. 

Many of the English players are touring South Africa for the first time. The players include, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and others.

South Africa recently lost the series to India in spinner friendly conditions. 

The team will be looking forward leaving behind the loss to take on the visitors on home ground conditions.

On the paper both the teams look evenly balanced with Proteas having the home advantage.

Valleyz.Blog