We already have two very good Test series going on and then on Boxing Day a third one begins when South Africa clash with Pakistan in what could be a tasty contest for a number of reasons as two of the best in the world do battle.
Unlike a couple of series over the course of the winter this one is three matches so we should get an overall outcome and some really competitive, and compelling cricket, to take us into the New Year in style.
Schedule
1st Test – 26-30 Dec at Centurion
2nd Test – 3-7 Jan at Cape Town
3rd Test – 11-15 Jan at Johannesburg
South Africa
This is the first big series of the summer for South Africa. They took on Zimbabwe earlier in the piece on some pretty ordinary wickets and then had a break for the Mzansi Super League but now the really tough stuff begins. Although much of the 2019 focus will be on the World Cup, South Africa will be eyeing up climbing up the Test rankings and getting close to a return to number one if they can.
South Africa have always had a top bowling attack, especially in their own conditions and they will need to lead them to victory because their batting has significantly dropped in recent times. If they can find some runs in their middle order then you would think they are entitled to continue a pretty solid home record.
Pakistan
This is the first time we will have seen Pakistan since they were surprisingly beaten by New Zealand in the UAE a month or so ago. Prior to that they had seen off Australia but in many ways this will be the acid test for them. When you look at the Pakistan squad you think they are nicely equipped to perform strongly away from home. The time has now come to prove that is the case.
Pakistan certainly have the seam attack to perform well in these conditions. I guess their success or otherwise in the series will come through their batting. We saw that let them down against New Zealand so they will need to be at their best if they are going to come through here. It is important that they occupy the crease for long periods if they can.
Head to Head
There have been 10 previous series between these two nations and it is fair to say that South Africa have had the better of things. They have won six with three of them being drawn which leaves just the one win for Pakistan. South Africa have won four of the five series they have been at home in. The other was a draw.
In all Test matches between the two nations South Africa have won 12 matches and Pakistan four. There have been seven draws in that time too but if history is anything to go by then Pakistan are right up against it over these three games.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
Betting
With Mohammad Abbas out of the first Test there should be some value in the Pakistan top bowler market but the problem is it isn’t clear who will be the one to take advantage of his absence. With that in mind I’ll avoid the market and head for the equivalent one for the South Africa team.
Kagiso Rabada is one of the best bowlers in the world and definitely the best in this South Africa team. Dale Steyn is the second favourite but you’ve got to wonder if he will play all three matches if South Africa have won the series before the final match. Nobody else really looks like a genuine challenger because you would think Pakistan will handle Keshav Maharaj pretty well. Assuming he plays all three matches, and it will probably only be injury that stops him, I expect him to lead the bowling figures.
Tips
Back K.Rabada Top South Africa Series Bowler for a 3/10 stake at 2.88 with Bet365
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2018
