Meet the South African Test team

Test previews / Andrew Hughes / 08 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Hughes talks us through the South African test team that will be taking on England this summer and the best bets on offer for them. From the crab-like technique of Hashim Amla to the snail-like scoring rate of Ashwell Prince, to the lionheart leadership of Graeme Smith, here are the boys England are taking on.

Graeme Smith Batting Average: 48.57

Captain Courageous but not a thinker and likely to be outmanoeuvred by Vaughan once again. Not the batting force of old and just back from a hamstring injury. Likely to make a slow start particularly against the late swing of Sidebottom and Anderson. [4.2] to be top South African batsman, mainly on reputation.

Neil McKenzie Batting Average: 38.39

Converted from middle order to opener, he is short, neat, plays shots around the wicket and has patience in abundance, so likely to fill the anchor role. His form for Durham and in the warm-up games has been indifferent. With a question mark over his ability in English conditions, he is available at [7.4]

Hashim Amla Batting Average: 37.11

The man in form. Crouching and shuffling at the crease he takes few risks but has improved his attacking game and is hard to shift. Can be flat-footed against express pace but may not face any of that this summer. Notched two centuries against Somerset and the [6.8] to finish top batsman looks an excellent price.

Jacques Kallis Batting Average: 57.14 Bowling Average: 31.30

Arguably the best batsman in the world, in the last year he has started to dominate the bowling rather than cruising in third gear. His century against Somerset was ominously powerful. Favourite in the top batsman market, but that [3.6] could look very big come the middle of August. A big shouldered medium pacer, he is a vital fifth bowler and his lively swing bowling will be useful. Likely to be around [30.0] in the top bowler market.

Ashwell Prince Batting Average: 40.94

A Gooch-like technique, he is the definition of no frills, accumulating slowly with a range of bunts, nudges and dabs and you have to prise him from the crease. A century against Middlesex suggests he won't struggle in England but the [9.6] on offer reflects his snail-like rate of scoring.

A B De Villiers Average: 39.55

Once a flashy strokemaker, now a more solid proposition. His down on one leg six hitting will thrill the crowds as will his Jonty Rhodes impersonation in the field. His century in Ahmedabad set up a famous victory and he was in the runs against Somerset. [9.2] in the top batsman market looks very tempting.

Mark Boucher Average: 30.02

Seems to have been around forever and hasn't always found keeping in England easy, but his experience will see him through and his sparky lower order batting is indispensible. He is [27.0] to be top batsman.

Paul Harris Bowling Average: 30.76

Tall left armer, generates bounce with his high release and bowls a probing length. Not quite in Panesar's class and often employed defensively, but not to be underestimated. Likely to be around [16.0] in the top bowler market.

Makaya Ntini Bowling Average: 27.85

Half a yard slower these days and rarely as effective away from home. Now senior bowler but reliability has never been his strong suit and his short of a length stock delivery is not so potent on English pitches. Expect him to be around the [5.2] mark.

Dale Steyn Bowling Average: 21.60

Lee Harvey Oswald look-alike, fastest bowler in the world, quickest South African to a hundred wickets, he is the man of the moment. Bowls full and fast, swings it late and will relish using the Duke ball. Has taken wickets everywhere he goes and likely to be as short as [2.2] to finish top bowler.

Morne Morkel Bowling Average: 32.35

Gangling baby of the squad, he generates steepling bounce. Had a taste of English conditions with Kent last year to offset his rawness. Recovering from a hamstring injury, there were flashes of fiery pace against Somerset. Expect him to be around the [5.0] mark.

Andre Nel Bowling Average: 31.22

An eye-bulging, verbal bruiser, he has the potential to be the best pantomime villain seen in these parts since Merv Hughes. A notch slower than the others but hits the deck hard and has plenty of English experience. Could reach as high as [10.0] which would be generous if it wasn't for the fact that he is likely to be carrying the drinks initially.