England vs South Africa 3rd ODI Preview
England vs South Africa 3rd ODI Preview | Proteas Tour to England 2012 | NatWest Series 2012
England has to play with South Africa in the 3rd NatWest ODI of the Five match series at Kennington Oval, London on 31st August 2012, South Africa hold a 1-0 lead after the Cardiff washout and their 80-run victory at Southampton in the first two matches and they are odds on favourites for this latest day-nighter. Getting the number one position from England seems to have become South Africa hobby these days. After taking the top position in Tests, the Proteas have done the same in One Day Internationals. Becoming number one is not the real challenge but, holding on to that spot is big challenge. If South Africa lose to England in the upcoming 3rd ODI then they would lose that number one position.
England:
In England, Alastair Cook-Ian Bell opening partnership has proven to be exemplary, while the middle-order looks solid with Ravi Bopara and Eoin Morgan in great nick. Then the team has depth in the bowling department, with every player seemingly hungry to chip in more than his share. England bowlers, who have been pivotal to the team’s success at home, have so far had no answers to the South African batting, especially Hashim Amla who continues to spread his terror in a nonchalant manner. Swann has been rested for the last three ODIS, which could add to England’s woes. Offspinner James Tredwell has taken Swann’s place and is expected to replace him straight into the XI. However, it will be interesting if Cook takes a call on James Anderson as well, with the bowler looking jaded after the Test series. If Anderson is rested, Jade Dernbach is likely to take his place, but with a must-win match on hands, Cook may need Anderson’s experience for crunch situations.
South Africa:
South Africa created history at The Rose Bowl earlier in the week when they became the first team to sit on top of the ICC rankings in all forms of cricket – Tests, ODIs and T20s. By winning that match by 80 runs, the South Africans replaced England as the No. 1 ODI team after ending their stint on top of the Test rankings earlier on the tour. South Africa didn’t even need Dale Steyn to take a lead but it would be foolish in the extreme not to bring him back to consolidate their advantage. Neither Morne Morkel nor Wayne Parnell bowled their allotted overs. Morkel went for more than five an over and he looks most vulnerable as Parnell offers ability with the bat.
Venue: Kennington Oval, London will play host for this pivotal match, and recently England have had field days here. They have won all of their last four ODI contests at the ground, but then again, they had similar form going into Southampton. The Proteas have played here four times, with two wins and two losses. For once, there is no chance of rain tomorrow and only sunny skies are forecast. Take this as you will, knowing England.
Teams for South Africa vs England 3rd ODI:
England Squad:
AN Cook*, JM Anderson, JM Bairstow, IR Bell, RS Bopara, TT Bresnan, JW Dernbach, ST Finn, C Kieswetter†, EJG Morgan, SR Patel, JC Tredwell, IJL Trott, CR Woakes
South Africa Squad:
AB de Villiers*†, HM Amla, JP Duminy, F du Plessis, D Elgar, Imran Tahir, R McLaren, JA Morkel, M Morkel, JL Ontong, WD Parnell, RJ Peterson, GC Smith, DW Steyn, LL Tsotsobe
England vs South Africa 2012 – Highlights
For More Cricinfo: South Africa vs England 2012
