South Africa vs England Prediction & Betting Tips - First Test Match

Prediction published on 25/12/2019, 08:37  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 25/12/2019 at 09:37 in Cricket Predictions

It may be Boxing Day but it's a busy time for cricket all over the world. After a disappointing series in New Zealand, England try to get back into winning ways in South Africa. They have a stronger squad for this tour but have injury and illness problems ahead of this first test match. Ben Stokes had to miss some training sessions due to his father being ill but thankfully he is showing signs of improvement. England may be without Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes and Jack Leach who have been ill. Even if they play, it's not the best of preparations for a test match. Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad have also had health problems but are expected to play in what could be an all-seam attack. That's likely to include James Anderson who would be playing his 150th test match, though he isn't as effective in away tests as he is at home.

England are unbeaten in their last three tours of South Africa with two series wins and a draw. but have lost five of their last six overseas test series. The South Africans have gone five test matches without a victory and have a new managerial team for this series. Their squad for this test has several uncapped players and they will be without the injured Temba Bavuma. The absence of AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla is going to hit them hard. England have had problems with their top batsmen but South Africa come into this game with Zubayr Hamza at number three and he's only played two test matches. Home advantage is important and they had won seven home series in a row before losing to Sri Lanka this year.  A draw no bet on South Africa is the suggested wager.