January 03, 2020 
08:30 
South Africa vs England 2nd Test Preview – Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News and Predictions – 03/01/2020
South Africa’s new dawn, under new management started very well in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion, where England were defeated by 107 runs.
The victory afforded the hosts an early lead in the four-match series – and continued England’s poor stretch of form in Test cricket. They lost the Ashes series to Australia and were then defeated by New Zealand – and are now trailing South Africa.
England were hampered by sickness in the series opener, which saw Jack Leach and other players ruled out of the XI. Joe Root and others were also sick during the match. They’ve recovered – and have a lot of ‘catch-up cricket’ to play this time.
South Africa vs England 2nd Test – Match Preview
Where: Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
When: Friday 3rd January
Start Time: 13:30 (IST), 8:00 (GMT)
South Africa vs England 2nd Test – Latest Odds
South Africa are tipped at 2.00 to win the Newlands Test and take an unbeatable two-nil series lead. England are backed at 2.30 to level the series ahead of the final two matches.
There are attractive odds on the draw at 8.00, especially if some unseasonable rain plays its part at Newlands.
South Africa vs England 2nd Test – Team News
The Proteas will definitely be without opening batsman Aiden Markram, who has been sidelined by a finger injury. He will likely be replaced by the uncapped Pieter Malan, who is in line for a Test debut at his home ground – and is in the individual batting markets at 6.00 to score the most runs in the first innings for South Africa.
Whether Temba Bavuma returns to the Proteas XI to replace Rassie van der Dussen remains in the balance. Bavuma hasn’t enjoyed a particularly good stretch of form at Test level, while van der Dussen scored a half-century on debut. But in South Africa, transformation targets sometimes require black African players to be picked instead of Caucasians.
A lot of England players suffered from sickness before and during the first Test in Centurion. Dom Sibley was the latest example, but has recovered, as have Ollie Pope and others. Sibley will likely be retained for the second Test at Newlands – and bettors can back him to score the most runs for England at 6.00.
The tourists might be without Jofra Archer, who is nursing an elbow injury. He was not at his best in Centurion. Stuart Broad and James Anderson did not bowl particularly well either and coach Chris Silverwood has said he isn’t afraid to drop either veteran from the bowling attack. That opens the door for a return for Dom Bess, who would bolster the spin-bowling ranks and add some depth to the batting order.
South Africa vs England 2nd Test – Betting Tips
Just like at SuperSport Park, Newlands is something of a fortress for South Africa. They have only lost to Australia here in since 1967 and have not been beaten by England at this ground since 1958.
South Africa’s last 30 Tests at this stadium have only brought three defeats for the hosts. Five draws are included in that stretch.
Philander to enjoy good final Test at Newlands
Veteran seamer Vernon Philander will retire from all forms of international cricket at the end of this series and then pursue a Kolpak contract with Somerset in English county cricket. He was superb during the first Test and is backed to continue that characteristic excellence at his home ground.
Philander has taken 51 wickets in 10 Tests at Newlands, including four five wicket hauls. Bettors are well advised to pick him at 4.00 with Betway to be South Africa’s top wicket-taker in the first innings and he is also a good choice in the Newlands Man of the Match markets at 13.00.
If not Philander, then Anrich Nortje at 4.50 to be the top wicket-taker in the first innings is a good selection as well. He is still young in terms of Test experience, but knows the Newlands conditions well after play for the Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League. Nortje was really good in the series opener – and his extra pace will come in handy at Newlands.
