The world cricketing landscape has been largely dominated by the white ball formats over the last few months, but in the middle of all T20WC preparations, one of the more exciting Test series in recent memory is playing out in England.
England and South Africa are tied 1-1 and will play out the deciding Test match from The Oval beginning on Thursday night. Check out our full preview and cricket betting tips for the 3rd Test match below.
England vs South Africa 3rd Test Betting Tips
The Oval, Thursday 8th September, 8.00pm (AEST)
England bounced back after a disappointing outing in the 1st Test by dominating the 2nd Test from ball one. Bowling first has provided a big advantage in both games so far, as England were able to replicate the South Africans performance from the 1st Test, bowling their opponents out for 151 before posting a big total of 415. They went on to bowl England out for 179 in the 2nd innings to win by an innings and 85 runs.
The addition of Ollie Robinson back into the line-up proved a vital one, with the fast bowler taking 4/43 in the 2nd innings while James Anderson continued to fight off father time with another six wickets throughout the match.
In the batting department, it was Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes who steadied the ship after a rocky start for the home side. The pair put on 173 for the 6th wicket and both notched up centuries in what was a notable shift from "BazBall" to the more traditional style of Test match batting.
3rd Test Preview
The teams have had a full extra week break between the 2nd and 3rd Test so both sides should be picking their full strength compliment of fast bowlers for this clash. It’s largely been a battle of the pace bowlers throughout the series so far, so I think there is no doubt that the South Africans will go back to the four-pronged pace attack of Nortje, Rabada, Ngidi and Jansen.
Rassie van der Dussen broke his finger in Manchester so he will be unavailable for the clash, his likely replacement is set to be Ryan Rickelton.
Predicted SA XI:Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Things won’t be as clear cut at the selection table for the Poms. Zak Crawley made a timely 38 in the 2nd innings of the Manchester Test but will that be enough to save his spot after a horror run of form?
The other big question mark surrounding the English side is their compliment of three fast bowlers. Jimmy Anderson has been the standout performer in this series while Ollie Robinson seemed to add another dimension with his extra bounce and what appears to be a much more engaged mindset and better fitness levels. That leaves Stuart Broad, Craig Overton and Matthew Potts fighting for the final spot. Broad looks odds on at the moment.
Predicted ENG XI: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson
Betting Tips
As is always the case in England, conditions will play a massive part in the outcome of this game. Rain is set to affect days one, two and five of this Test match, but the way that the series has been played out so far and with eminent overcast conditions set to dominate this match, three days will likely be enough to play this one out.
Whichever team can find themselves bowling at those crucial moments when the sky is gloomy and the ball is swinging around is likely to win this match. In saying that, England looked back to their damaging best in the 2nd Test and they are much more adept in taking advantageous of those favourable bowling conditions at home. I think only a brave man would bet against this English side after what they’ve shown in their last six Tests.
