Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

SA vs ENG 2nd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | South Africa vs England 2nd Test Dream11 | SA vs ENG 2nd Test Dream11 Prediction | SA vs ENG 2nd Test Preview and Prediction

New personnel on the board, and a change in fortunes for South Africa on the cricket field.

Of course, home ground advantage helps, but the Protea fight, so often lacking in 2019, was on show in their Boxing Day Test win in Centurion. Now, they have the chance to take a 2-0 series lead in Newlands – the perfect way to start 2020 amid the perfect backdrop.

England are up against it. Illnesses and injuries have plagued their tour so far, with Jofra Archer the latest to fall under an injury cloud, along with Rory Burns. With such disruptions, to go with England’s poor away record over the past few years (four wins in last 22), the tourists need a massive effort to level the series.

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Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Quinton de Kock continues to pull his team out of holes. He did it against Pakistan and Sri Lanka nearly a year ago, and did so again in Centurion.
• One of his finest knocks (141*) was at Newlands. Dean Elgar will have a key role to play in blunting the new ball to set up a platform for his team.
• Vernon Philander loves Newlands: 10 matches, 51 wickets, avg. 17.60. This will be his last Test at the ground.
• Pieter Malan is set to make his Test debut. His FC record: 148 matches, 10,161 runs, avg. 45.16.
• Joe Root averages over 50 in five Tests in South Africa.
• Ben Stokes returns to the ground where made an incredible 258 in 2016.
• Kagiso Rabada at Newlands: 5 matches, 30 wickets, avg. 20.56.
• The last Test at Newlands was a very high-scoring draw.

Key to a South Africa win

An inspired effort by Quinton de Kock took South Africa to respectability in the first innings of the first Test. However, more will be required of the top order in what is expected to be good batting conditions. Can they grind the England bowlers down, of which QdK could then build on further?

Also, it was an inspired effort by South Africa’s seamers last time out. Anrich Nortje highlighted his potential, with Kagiso Rabada coming into the game at the crunch moment: the second new ball on the fourth and final day. If the two quick men along with Vernon Philander can get through England’s top order, a great opportunity awaits.

Key to an England win

England’s concentration wavered after extended periods in Centurion. Spurts of brilliance were offset by poor moments, of which the England batsmen need to avoid at Newlands. Who will go on to make a big score, especially in the absence of the capable Rory Burns?

Also, England’s bowlers need to find ways to take 20 wickets. Jofra Archer is in doubt, which puts significant onus on Anderson, Broad and Curran to find enough movement – with new and old ball – to test South Africa’s middle order as soon as possible.

Possible Playing 11

Pieter Malan is set to make his debut. Also, Temba Bavuma has passed a fitness test, and could play.

South Africa: 1. Dean Elgar, 2. Pieter Malan, 3. Zubayr Hamza, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Rassie van der Dussen/Temba Bavuma, 6. Quinton de Kock (wk), 7. Dwaine Pretorius, 8. Vernon Philander, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Anrich Nortje

If Jofra Archer is fit, then England will likely have to choose between James Anderson and Stuart Broad, as the tourists will bring in a spinner (Dom Bess). Also, Ollie Pope is set for a return after recovering from illness. However, England have been dealt a huge blow with Rory Burns ruled out of the series with an ankle injury, suffered when playing football with teammates at training.

England: 1. Dominic Sibley, 2. Joe Denly, 3. Joe Root (c), 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Jonny Bairstow, 6. Ollie Pope, 7. Jos Buttler (wk), 8. Sam Curran, 9. Dominic Bess, 10. Stuart Broad/Jofra Archer, 11. James Anderson

Newlands Pitch Report and Conditions

Good batting conditions are on the menu for this clash. The pitch looked really good two days out from the Test – certainly a bat first pitch.

Also, the weather looks good for the most part in Cape Town across the five days.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

A track that looks a good one for batting. So, the question is: can England find enough penetration in conditions such as these?

Answers to such questions continue to elude them away from home. However, their batsmen could enjoy the conditions, which is why a draw looks a tempting pick. South Africa are the favourites, though, and can be picked to win.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Is cricket blogging something you are looking to pursue more of in 2020? Download my free E-Book for tips!