Joe Root thinks less disruption can help England hit back

Hosts South Africa priced as favourites for second Test

Joe Root batting for England

England captain Joe Root believes better preparation and less disruption can help his side bounce back in the second Test against South Africa.

Illness-hit England slumped to a 107-run defeat on the fourth day of the first Test in Centurion as the hosts took a 1-0 series lead.

They will now face South Africa in the second Test at Newlands on Friday. The home side are the favourites at 2.00 (1/1) with Bet365 to make it 2-0, while England are priced up at 2.38 (11/8) to level the series. The draw is at 7.50 (13/2).


Open an account with bet365 today and bet on a huge range of markets with the world’s favourite online sports betting company. 18+. Full terms and conditions apply. https://Begambleaware.org. https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

Bonus Terms

  • 12x rollover requirement on initial deposit.
  • Bets at odds of 1.20 or more will contribute.
  • Minimum deposit of ₹400.
  • Bets must settle within 30 days.
  • Bet Credit stakes not included in any returns.
  • Registration required.

Root admitted it had been a tough time for his squad but wasn’t making excuses after the defeat.

Instead he was left to rue a poor showing with the bat in the first innings at SuperSport Park.

England were always chasing the game after being bowled out for 181 after collapsing from 142-3 at one stage.

Root said: “When we get the opportunity to turn the screw, we really need to take it, both with bat and ball. That's where the game was won and lost this time round, the first innings with bat and ball.

“Ultimately I have to give credit to South Africa. I thought they played very well this week.”

On the disruption that saw 10 players hit by illness on tour, he added: “We're not going to hide behind that as an excuse.

“Credit to everyone – they have stood up and tried to put in the best performance possible. At no stage have they let anyone down.

“Pretty much everyone has been ill now so hopefully that is out of the way and we can prepare extremely well and bounce back strong.”

 

New title

Chris is passionate about all forms of cricket and loves writing about the sport. He has a background in both sport and news journalism and has written cricket and other sports content for several years now. Chris has written about all levels of the game from regional club cricket in England to the international stage. He now brings that experience to the iGaming industry where he combines it with his love of betting. Chris loves to bet on many different sports, but particularly enjoys seeking out the best value bets on offer and passing that on through his coverage.