4th Test: England vs South Africa
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After the joy of Toby Roland-Jones’ stunning debut, Ben Stokes’ flawless century and Moeen Ali’s late test-sealing hat-trick, England head north with momentum and the betting odds stacked in their favour.
Yet the questions continue to hang over them. The multi-million one is, can England add some consistency to their game?
They may have triumphed by 239 runs at the Oval to take a 2-1 lead in this Test Series, they may have produced some dramatic moments en-route to victory, but deep down, players and management know there is big room for improvement.
For example, England weren’t on top form at the Oval, it was just South Africa were as poor as the hosts had previously been in the second test at Trent Bridge.
One of the most interesting aspects about this fourth and final test is whether England will be able to recover if they end up being behind by a significant margin.
The statistics suggest not.
Indeed, England’s most recent 10 Tests before the Oval had resulted in three victories, a draw, and six defeats.
Generally, they do better when batting first and a key factor will be if South Africa win the toss and elect to bat, how exactly will England respond to a strong innings from the tourists.
Now is the time to use the psychological ascendancy, which South Africa failed to build on after the second test, to their advantage.
To see off the obdurate Dean Elgar – one of the few visitors to come out well of the third test – and company would not only be a massive confidence boost but a sign they can compete consistently at the highest level.
It also consign South Africa to their first defeat in England since 1998.
The Proteas will not want that and, in the words of captain Faf du Plessis, need to ‘learn how to tough it out’.
Meanwhile, Joe Root’s men need to find other ways to win a test.
Old Trafford would be a damn good place to start!
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