The third Test starts this Thursday in Johannesburg with the jury still out as to what to expect from either team. England are still in the box seat as far as the Series is concerned, leading 1-0 after a curious match last time out ended in a draw. Both sides scored first innings totals over 600 before bad weather intervened to curtail the match.
SA changed captain
South Africa have changed their captain in the gap between Tests, with Hashim Amla stepping down and the great AB de Villiers stepping up to the lead role. Whether he will be more proactive in his approach we will wait and see, given that many observers thought that Amla was slightly too passive at times in earlier Tests, allowing play to develop rather than making things happen.
Altitude impact bowling
The players may well notice the difference in altitude from Cape Town, moving from sea level to around 6,000 feet above it. That may well not only impact their breathing but also the manner in which the Cricket ball reacts.
Noted experts including Sir Ian Botham expect the likes of swing bowler Jimmy Anderson to enjoy the conditions far more, with the ball expected to swing and move off the seam far more than in previous Tests.
Result expected at ‘Bullring’
Indeed, most pundits are predicting a result at the ‘Bullring’ (as the Wanderers is commonly known), as since South Africa re-entered international cricket in 1992, only six of the 24 Tests played at the ground have been drawn.
Of those, three were badly impacted by rain delays which reduced the likelihood of a positive result.
Will Steyn be fit to play?
If the hosts’ leading strike bowler Dale Steyn isn't fit to come back into the side as SA hope he will be, then England's pace and swing attack could well have the advantage. Besides Anderson, Stuart Broad, the rejuvenated Steven Finn and all-rounder Ben Stokes may well enjoy more assistance with ball in hand.
England could clinch series
England have every incentive to seek the victory, knowing full well that they can clinch the four-match series should they win. A strong start would go a long way towards putting their hosts back under pressure, after a promising turnaround in their fortunes in the last Test.
The ‘Bullring’ is known as having an intimidating atmosphere for away sides though, so expect the home side to come out fighting.
