England v South Africa | 2nd Test | Headingley | Aug 02-06, 2012

[Jo_Don]

Match facts Thursday, August 2 Start time 1100 (1000 GMT) Big Picture The equation for England going into the second Test is simple: if they're going to beat South Africa, they will need to play at least ten times better than they did at The Oval. An average of 31.25 runs per wicket might not look too bad during a wet English summer but it was dwarfed by South Africa scoring 637 for 2 in their one innings on a dry, sun-baked track. Turning two wickets into 20 against such obduracy is a trick that will take some pulling off. It is almost a year since England ascended to the top of the rankings with an innings victory over India in the second week of August but, despite talk of establishing a dynasty, the crown has never been far from slipping. Many would say that South Africa have not needed the ICC's imprimatur to be recognised as Test cricket's best side but victory at Headingley will seal the series and confirm their rise to No. 1 anyway. While Graeme Smith has again revelled in his role as England's tormentor, Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower have faced fresh questions about tactics, skill levels and the balance of the side. It may be that England had one on day and four off days but that is not a switch that can just be flicked. The much-vaunted attack's plan of "bowling dry" was enough to send many watchers to the bottle, as South Africa showed how to resist temptation; while on a flat track, the batsmen arguably performed worse. They're accustomed to brickbats but for the bowlers this represents a fresh challenge. South Africa have not won consecutive Tests since early 2010 but they look to be in a comfortable place, the team happy to lark about in fancy dress on their first night in Leeds. Having crushed England on the same weekend that Ernie Els won The Open, South Africa's Olympians currently lead Great Britain on the medals table, after Chad le Clos pipped no less a swimmer than Michael Phelps to gold in the pool on Tuesday. Perhaps they are unbeatable? Form guide England LDWWW (Most recent first) South Africa WDWDW Watch out for... The fifth man to occupy No. 6 in the batting order, James Taylor is undoubtedly the smallest (he's 5ft 4in). After the middling efforts of Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Jonny Bairstow and Ravi Bopara, the weight of expectation might not be great but Taylor has long been marked out for international cricket and his every stroke will be closely studied. An unbeaten 163 in his last first-class innings suggests a slow start to life at Nottinghamshire is behind him. Alviro Petersen is the South Africa player under most scrutiny after a lean tour in which he has scored 42 runs. He also averaged just 21 from 11 first-class innings for Essex earlier in the season. Nevertheless, Petersen has produced under pressure before, having already scored two Test centuries this year to defy his critics and in opening partner Graeme Smith he has the perfect example of how to succeed in England. Pitch and conditions After England were severely burned by preparing a dry, dusty pitch at The Oval, there is a definite green tinge to the second track of the series. The forecast for Leeds over the next five days is patchy, with rain and overhead cloud likely to feature, though whether that will benefit England or South Africa more is open to debate. Team news England have a rightly praised record of stability in selection so the presence of Taylor, confirmed as Bopara's replacement, may well be the only change. Rotating in one of Steven Finn or Graham Onions - probably for Tim Bresnan - or playing an all-pace attack are other options, though it was against South Africa at Headingley in 2008 that England broke a record, six-Test run of picking the same XI by including Darren Pattinson, so don't rule out a surprise. England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 James Taylor, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steven Finn Vice-captain AB de Villiers doesn't believe South Africa should make any changes to the team that bent England so severely out of shape at The Oval and, with Smith back after completing a round trip home to attend the birth of his daughter, a familiar XI is expected for the second Test. JP Duminy and Jacques Rudolph, like Petersen, have not spent a great deal of time in the middle but confidence in their ability remains. South Africa (probable) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Alviro Petersen, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Jacques Kallis, 5 AB de Villiers (wk), 6 Jacques Rudolph, 7 JP Duminy, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir Stats and trivia England's most recent Test win in Leeds came against West Indies in 2007. South Africa have only lost once in four Tests at Headingley since readmission, winning on their last two visits by 191 runs and 10 wickets. Dale Steyn's seven wickets in the first Test took him past Jacques Kallis to fourth in South Africa's standings, with 279. Kallis' best bowling figures in Tests (6 for 54) came at Headingley in 2003. August 1 is Yorkshire Day, though even that may not be enough to keep Bresnan in the England side.

It's going to be a cracker, hopefully the weather doesn't play too much of a role.

[khalil1986]

weather will play a role whether it will affect the outcome of match we will see. I expect seamers to be on fire from both sides though on this pitch.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Waiting for Steyn n co to create havoc...

[Amjid Javed]

S.A have three pretty flimsy batsmen in there line up in Duminy, Rudolph and Petersen so there are weak areas england can expose it condition allow. However S.A bowlers may do even more damage on a green mamba if thats what we get!

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by Amjid Javed S.A have three pretty flimsy batsmen in there line up in Duminy, Rudolph and Petersen so there are weak areas england can expose it condition allow. However S.A bowlers may do even more damage on a green mamba if thats what we get!

I think Duminy will come good and Rudolph is pretty familiar with English conditions. His recent record isn't too bad either, a century and a couple of fifties. He seems like a concern because we haven't seen much of him, but he hasn't had to bat in 4 out of the last 8 innings. The only concern is Petersen but he has a tendency of coming right when his place is in question.

[Green Leopard]

South Africa will struggle if the English seamers get the ball to move.

South African batting is probably the most over-rated against swing conditions.

Also if seamers can get past the top 4 cheaply, Duminy, Rudolph, and tail are sitting bunnies for Swann.

If ball swings, it's England's game.

[khalil1986]

Originally Posted by Green Leopard South Africa will struggle if the English seamers get the ball to move. South African batting is probably the most over-rated against swing conditions. Also if seamers can get past the top 4 cheaply, Duminy, Rudolph, and tail are sitting bunnies for Swann. If ball swings, it's England's game.

England are pathetic against moving ball, you only need to go back to 2010 to see what Asif and Amir did to the England top order. I have a feeling Philander with his bowling style will be very dangerous for England.

Also in regards to Swann SA have done their homework as seen by the way Smith batted against him.

Personally think it will be draw due to weather expected.

[Markhor]

Last time out South Africa managed to get the ball to swing, England did not. England's strength is their seam attack so they should prepare a pitch to play to their strengths, and produce a green pitch, get South Africa in early on the first morning when it'll be overcast and trouble the South African batsmen. They produced a rather sub-continental pitch at the Oval which didn't exactly work out.

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by Green Leopard South Africa will struggle if the English seamers get the ball to move. South African batting is probably the most over-rated against swing conditions. Also if seamers can get past the top 4 cheaply, Duminy, Rudolph, and tail are sitting bunnies for Swann. If ball swings, it's England's game.

It will be interesting to see, that's for sure. The question is will England play Steyn and Philander better than SA plays Anderson and Broad? I'm just excited to see us playing test matches again, may the best team win!

[kingusama92]

Oh boy.

Steyn under cloudy conditions at Headingley. This should be fun.

[Bilal7]

A low scoring game, this will be. In my opinion, the captain winnig the toss should field first so that his team can extract the maximum from the pitch.

Hoping to see some Amla magic again.

[velu]

England need to win atleast 1 match to retain #1 ranking.

[Lara400]

Look forward to another Amla special.

[IAJ]

Swanny left out and in comes Finn.

England have won the toss and decided to bowl first.

[Jo_Don]

England win the toss and bowl.

[Qadeer]

wow day off from work and high quality test cricket...#sweet

[KingKhanWC]

England bowling first...scared of SA attack or confident of taking more than 2 wickets.?

No spinner at all is pretty stupid.

[James]

Wow. This is a big gamble from England both to field first and omit Swann, who is seemingly both injured and slipping back out of form. One of their more unpredictable moves in a while. Let's see what happens.

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by IAJ Swanny left out and in comes Finn.

Yeah I'm not sure about that move - 4 pace bowlers and nobody else to hold up an end while they rest. Finn either needed to come in to replace Broad or Bresnan, or they could have went in with 5 bowlers and moved Prior up to #6.

[Cricfan4eva]

In the last 3 series SA have lost the 2nd test after winning the first test comprehensively. Lets see if the trend continues, Though I hope not.

[saeedhk]

Swann left out.Really bizarre

[waqar_ahmad]

No matter what kind of pitch, one spinner should be in the team.

[James]

Headingley has often been a spinner's graveyard.

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by James Headingley has often been a spinner's graveyard.

Their role is not only to take wickets though. It's a gamble not having anyone to hold up an end while the fast bowlers rest.

[KingKhanWC]

If Swann is not fit, Monty should have come in. A spinner can do much more than just wickets,hold an end, use the old ball, go defensive or even speed up the over rate. SA lower order yet to prove themselves v spin.

[James]

Originally Posted by Jo_Don Their role is not only to take wickets though. It's a gamble not having anyone to hold up an end while the fast bowlers rest.

I agree that it is a gamble, but I suppose they had to change something after that kind of beating.

[Bilal7]

English bowlers haven't done much yet.

[nish_mate]

Any one read cricbuzz's report on the game...

Pretty amusing one

[KingKhanWC]

Looks a good batting track.

[Robert]

Surprised by how uninterested I am in this! All my focus is on the Velodrome today....

[Bilal7]

Peterson looking good. I thought he would go back to the pavilion within a few overs.

[KingKhanWC]

Petersen looking good. Twice finds the rope v Broad. Strauss must be regretting bowling.

[IAJ]

Good start by the Proteas here. Some 80-100 runs in first session without any damage would be nice.

[Bilal7]

I'm surprised by the crowd. Wish test cricket was given this much attention in other places too.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by Robert Surprised by how uninterested I am in this! All my focus is on the Velodrome today....

Would that have also been the case if the result in first Test went in Engands favour?

[Markhor]

Only one spinner in the side as Swann is left out, big gamble by England as they go for four seamers.

[Bilal7]

Can Strauss bring Finn on already?

Broad is not bowling well at all. No aggression so far for England.

[waqar_ahmad]

Originally Posted by James Headingley has often been a spinner's graveyard.

saffers arent exactly experts at playing spin

[velu]

400 runs since england took the last wicket

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by waqar_ahmad saffers arent exactly experts at playing spin

They certainly "killed" Swann in the first Test.

[James]

Bowling short and leg-side at Headingley Oh boy.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by velu 400 runs since england took the last wicket

Yeah, right now they must be thinking; "kash dusri team India houti so we could get som easy wickets"

[velu]

Originally Posted by IAJ Yeah, right now they must be thinking; "kash dusri team India houti so we could get som easy wickets"

i need a translator to read hindi
but anyway even our bowlers will be ashamed of this

[KingKhanWC]

Sun out isnt helping England. Commies arguing already

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by velu i need a translator to read hindi but anyway even our bowlers will be ashamed of this

Kash dusri team India houti = wished the other team was India

[KingKhanWC]

Finn on. needs to up.the pace from 80mph.of Jim and Broad.

[Jo_Don]

Finn already looks a more threatening bowler than Broad.

[waqar goraya]

South Africa are the favorites ...Any one has any idea why English bowlers look so ineffective so far..??
I know batting has been good but still there has to be something..I mean something??

[Bilal7]

Anderson looking good. Intimidating Petersen.

[IAJ]

Smith needs to have a chat with Petersen. After a steady start he can't throw it away.

[Jo_Don]

Peterson is looking a bit nervy, he needs to play a bit more patiently.

[IAJ]

Swanny out, Cooky drops a dolly.

[KingKhanWC]

Superb over by.Jimmy. Criminal drop.by Cook!

[Bilal7]

Swann not being there has cost England already.

[Markhor]

Dropped !

[Markhor]

Cook drops at what is usually Swann's fielding position, second slip.

[Bilal7]

Frustration!! No-Ball! My bad, its a dead ball because Finn struck the stumps with his hand.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by KingKhanWC Superb over by.Jimmy. Criminal drop.by Cook!

Did you see the reaction of Jimmy?? And England don't drop many catches.

Just imagine how pakistani bowlers must be feeling when fielders drop catches match after match.

[Jo_Don]

Finn hits the stumps on his run up one too many times, called dead ball as Smith was caught at slip. Could that be the equivalent of the Amla drop in the last match?

[Markhor]

Dead ball, Finn hits the stumps again.

[Markhor]

The guy with the beer is distracting the batsman

[Markhor]

Tim Bresnan into the attack.

[Jo_Don]

Got distracted for a while, was watching SA beat GB in the rowing to take gold

[Jo_Don]

50 up for Alviro, a few nervous moments but well played.

[ads101]

Originally Posted by Jo_Don Got distracted for a while, was watching SA beat GB in the rowing to take gold

despite the fact you've only got 3 medals in total, and we've got 10, you've gone ahead of us as everytime you won a medal you've got a gold

UK have seriously underperformed this year. Especially considering it's our home olympics. Disappointed we didn't get more golds. Hopefully we can turn things around a bit. We're on the way up at least, we were like 20th with no gold medals until a pretty good day yesterday.

[leatherface58]

the dead ball thing will play on finn's mind. Hopefully he won't play within himself. Well played I less peterson ;)

[velu]

saffers r cruising

[James]

Ads all of our strongest events are to come - Saturday's rowing finals, sailing finals, athletics and of course the velodrome. GB are three golds off a top position. Don't believe the media negativity.

Must say I was really annoyed by James Cracknell's boorish pathetic comments about the conditions not favouring GB and them being put in an unfair lane. Seriously what the heck, British people are so embarrassing. South Africa were brilliant, congratulations to them. It was a thrilling race and silver was excellent.

As for the cricket...looks like England have come up against a team with more quality than them who are also in better form.

[Sherlock]

Finn has no-one else to blame but himself. Not the first time he's done this and "if" the umpires warned the batsmen and bowlers alike beforehand about the "deadball" than it's the right call.

[Slickman]

sa nearing 750/2 in this series looool pure torture.

[velu]

saffers 76

453 runs since england took the last wicket

[ads101]

Originally Posted by James Ads all of our strongest events are to come - Saturday's rowing finals, sailing finals, athletics and of course the velodrome. GB are three golds off a top position. Don't believe the media negativity. Must say I was really annoyed by James Cracknell's boorish pathetic comments about the conditions not favouring GB and them being put in an unfair lane. Seriously what the heck, British people are so embarrassing. South Africa were brilliant, congratulations to them. It was a thrilling race and silver was excellent. As for the cricket...looks like England have come up against a team with more quality than them who are also in better form.

I know, but still expect a lot. We're the home nation and UK generally is a top side in the olympics.

Was happy with yesterday's performance, actually caught some of the cycle race live, so that's always good we won it. But still think we underperformed up to then to some degree.

I was actually more annoyed with Cavendish's comments. Seemed a little pathetic, and given that should have been one of our strongest races, little disappointed with the result there.


South Africa doing well here in the cricket. Actually think it's a good idea for Finn to come in for Swann. Even though Petersen was dropped, he's playing well here. Bit disheartening a wicket hasn't fallen yet, these are not traditionally good batting wickets.

[Zamee]

What is wrong with English bowling !! Toothless

[AdidasBeard]

Pure torture, they should have let us get away with that deadball out of sympathy! I've seen Finn hit the stumps about 100 times, unfortunate for him that this was the first to be called deadball. I'm sure the umpire must have warned him though.

As for the olympics, congratulations on South Africa improving on their medal total of 1 for the Beijing olympics!

[leatherface58]

English bowling looks as menacing as dora the explorer :beefy

[Jo_Don]

Originally Posted by AdidasBeard As for the olympics, congratulations on South Africa improving on their medal total of 1 for the Beijing olympics!

Water under the bridge Hoping for another one from Chad Le Clos in the 100m butterfly!

Back to the match, England were unlucky, we could have been two down had it not been for the drop and the dead ball.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by Zamee What is wrong with English bowling !! Toothless

Don't know about the other bowlers, but Jimmy bowled very well the little I saw of him. He should have had Petersen out twice in one over if the fieldplacing and catching was right.

[AdidasBeard]

Originally Posted by Zamee What is wrong with English bowling !! Toothless

Anderson bowled pretty well should have had Petersen.
Broad not threatening.
Finn's first couple of overs were good but dropped a level after the deadball fiasco.
Bresnan is toiling.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by IAJ Good start by the Proteas here. Some 80-100 runs in first session without any damage would be nice.

84/0. Nice!

[Jo_Don]

84/0 at lunch.

Good session for SA, although it could easily have been England's session if that drop had been taken and Finn didn't keep crashing into the stumps.