ENG vs SA: Match Preview – South Africa Tour Of England 2022, 2nd Test

England take on South Africa in the second Test in Manchester starting from August 25. The hosts suffered an innings defeat in the first Test. The Test series is a part of the ongoing World Test Championship. England are placed seventh in the points table while the Proteas have strengthened their position at the top after the big win at Lord’s.

England batted less than 90 overs taking the two innings together as they lost the first Test by an innings and 12 runs. The hosts were bowled out for 165 and 149 in the two innings. South Africa’s 326 in the first innings proved more than enough for them to win the first Test.

ENG vs SA: Match Preview – South Africa Tour Of England 2022, 2nd Test

England

England’s “Bazball” approach did not stand too long in front of the fierce pace trio of South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi ran through their batting lineup twice in quick succession to win the Lord’s Test in style. The win not only was quick but also questioned the longevity of England’s new style of play in Test cricket.

Skipper Ben Stokes is still positive that they can continue following the same approach but cricket experts have opined that the style could not last long against good bowling attacks which proved in the first Test. Zak Crawley’s poor form continues to grow from bad to worse. Despite his wretched run, coach Brendon McCullum has placed his faith in him to come good. It will be interesting to see if they persist with him in Manchester.

England Squad

Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root

South Africa

The Protean bowling might help them to win the first Test at Lord’s. They can only draw confidence from their performance heading into Manchester. The side is topping the WTC points table and would like to hold onto the lead. Dean Elgar was a happy captain after the deserved win at Lord’s. The batting backed up their bowling at Lord’s and will look to do the same at Old Trafford as well.

“The boys did a great job. I’ve got good coaching staff and a very good think-tank behind me to make those decisions (about captaincy). Kesh worked out very well for us. Sometimes you got to go with your gut feel. He (Erwee) is pretty feisty when he gets going. Great member to have in the team. He has started well. We will enjoy today.”

South Africa Squad

Dean Elgar, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo

Also Read: ENG vs SA Weather Forecast And Pitch Report of Lord’s , London – South Africa Tour of England, 2022 1st Test