ENG vs SA, Match Preview, Head to Head, Playing XI and Broadcast Details

South Africa and England will lock horns in the second Test of the series at Old Trafford, Manchester, commencing on the 25th of August. The visitors outclassed Ben Stokes’ side on the back of exceptional bowling performance from the pace quartet, leaving much to ponder for England head coach Brendon McCullum.

McCullum, who has been dismissive of the term ‘Bazball’, faces arguably his toughest assignment against a relentless Protean side, led by an authoritative Dean Elgar, adamant to reclaim their elite status in red-ball cricket in South Africa amidst the renascence of franchise cricket in the country.

England’s scathing defeat in just under three days against the visitors means that Ben Stokes’ side will need to bounce back in the Manchester Test, to extinguish lingering fears of the frailty of ‘Bazball’. But for the viewers, another enthralling encounter awaits between two powerhouses of the cricketing fraternity.

Pitch Conditions

The surface at Old Trafford has been great for the batters in recent times, and while the pacers are handful at the venue with rich history, it does offer assistance to the spinners, which will delight Jack Leach and Keshav Maharaj. The team winning the toss would likely opt to have a go with the bat first, as chasing in the fourth innings can be a tough proposition on this surface.

Playing Combinations for ENG vs SA

England

The home side are in a bit of a conundrum as opening batter Zak Crawley’s struggle continued in the series opener. But McCullum is reluctant to make any changes to the team going into the second Test at Manchester. The veteran bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad also looked toothless for the most part in the Lord’s Test, but only a brave man can rule out a comeback in the second Test.

Predicted Playing XI:

Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matty Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson

South Africa

South Africa on the other hand, have looked assured under a determined Dean Elgar, who lead from the front in the first Test with typically solid and stubborn innings. The famed pace quartet, led by the fiery Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, did the business with the ball and Maharaj also chipped in the second innings after not getting to bowl in the first innings.

Predicted Playing XI:

Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

ENG vs SA Head to Head

Played – 154 | England – 64 | South Africa – 35 | Draw – 55

ENG vs SA Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 3:30 PM IST

Telecast & Live Streaming: SONY TEN Network, Sony LIV app