ICC Champions Trophy 2013: England vs South Africa - England preview

Ever since the heroic efforts of Hick and Reeve helped England rattle the South Africans and defeat them in a controversial rain-interrupted match in WC ’92, cricket-obsessed fans expect nothing less than a high-voltage contest when England plays South Africa. With a heightened anticipation before the match, fans make a beeline for entry into the stadium. Today, when England take on South Africa in the first semifinal of Champions trophy, one hopes that match rekindles the flames of passion for the beautiful game among cricket lovers.

Pitch and conditions

With even bounce on offer and a lightning-fast outfield, batsmen from both sides should enjoy batting at The Oval. To throw in a word of caution, with a few games having already been played at The Oval in the Champions Trophy, there can be some wear and tear on the track, and that may help spinners to do well.

Key players

James Anderson - As this is a crunch game, England’s think-tank will look up to their spearhead, James Anderson, to deliver the goods. He certainly did that in the do-or-die contest against the Kiwis a few days back. On most tracks, Anderson can extract seam movement from the surface; but when he starts to generate swing in the air like at Cardiff against New Zealand, he becomes doubly dangerous.

Alastair Cook - Just like Anderson, their captain, Alastair Cook, is a big match player. In the game against Kiwis, Cook played an enterprising knock. His timely half-century against the Kiwis exemplifies that Cook can change gears and up the tempo when needed. Cook also has a calm head on his shoulders, which helps him to captain the side well.

X-factor

Joe Root - Even during the days of playing for Sheffield Collegiate cricket club, Joe Root was known as a player to watch out for. By scoring gallons of runs for Yorkshire in the current season, he has made his way into the England side.

Root has definitely taken to international cricket like a fish does to water. Root averages over 50, and scores his runs at a healthy strike rate. In his short career, Root has given ample proof of him being a versatile batsman. He has a solid defensive technique and, if needed, ups the tempo of the innings with utmost ease.

England’s chances

Playing at home, England would fancy their chances of winning against a rather inexperienced South African unit. But it won’t be easy, as South Africa has some world-class players in the ranks like Amla, De Villiers, Steyn and company. South Africa would also look to come hard at England, as they desperately want to shed the ‘chokers’ tag.

Interestingly, both teams held the upper-hand at some point of time when it comes to head-to-head clashes. Ever since South Africa pummeled England 6-1 in a one-day series at home in 95/96, they dominated England for a long time after, winning 22 out of 30 completed matches. But since England romped home with a 4-0 series win against South Africa in 2008, they have held sway over the results by winning 10 out of 13 completed matches.

Possible line-up

With Bresnan having gone back home to be with his pregnant wife, there is a very good chance of the towering giant, Steve Finn, finally getting a game. As their premier spinner, Graeme Swann continues to struggle with fitness issues, and Tredwell may get another game.

Alastair Cook (capt), Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler (wk),Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, James Tredwell, James Anderson, Steven Finn