South Africa tour
England arrive in South Africa for a two and a half month tour determined to build on their 2009 npower Ashes success by beating a side currently ranked as the No.1 Test team in the world. Victory against a squad of South Africa's quality - who are historically very strong when playing at home - won't be easy. The last time these two sides met was in England in 2008, it was South Africa who came out on top winning the npower Test Series 2-1.
However, so much has changed in the 15 months since these two side met. Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff have retired, England have a new captain, a new coach and new faces, such as Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Jonathan Trott. Each of these players have proved they have what it takes to compete at this level and take on the best in the world, but can they do it away from home?
The South African side looks strong. The opening bowlers of Daryl Steyn and Makhaya Ntini will continue to pose a potent threat to England's top order and with the likes of, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, the South African batting order looks formidable. This promises to be a hard-fought, fascinating series.
We spoke exclusively with ex-England captain Mike Gatting to get his thoughts on England's chances in South Africa:
Hello Gatt. So, first things first, let’s talk about the 2009 npower Ashes – what a great win for England. Just how big an achievement was this Ashes victory?
It was good at times and poor at times but the final outcome was something Andy Flower, Andrew Strauss and the rest of the England team and backroom staff can be very, very proud of. When you can consider the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff didn’t play all the way through, it was a huge achievement. Well done England.
And now Andrew Strauss’s men face South Africa. How do you expect England to perform?
The South Africans are a very mature side compared to the Australians. They have lots of experience so I actually think it’s going to be a harder series than the Ashes. South Africa are the No.1 Test side in the world and you don’t earn that honour without be a very good side. They have spin, seam and a very strong batting line up. It will be a stern test of England’s capabilities now that they have lost Andrew Flintoff but hopefully Kevin Pietersen should be back.
Who are the players to look out for?
I think England’s captain Andrew Strauss will again be key. It is vitally important England get off to a good start and create a platform for the middle order. Fitness permitting, Kevin Pietersen should be back, but it will be interesting to see how he reacts to nine months out of the game. Broad and Swann are coming of age but I’ll be looking forward to watching Graham Onions bowl. He’s looking like he could be a very decent Test cricketer.
And in the South African side?
Again the opening partnership is very important and we need to get Smith out early. I expect a big series for Jacques Kallis. It could potentially be his last against England. Dale Steyn will be a big threat to England. He’s sharp and can swing the ball.
So who would your starting XII for the first Test be then?
1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Bell
4. Pietersen
5. Trott
6. Collingwood
7. Prior
8. Swann
9. Broad
10. Anderson
11. Onions
12 Sidebottom
