Proteas: 5 talking points
JON CARDINELLI examines the hosts ahead of the first Test between South Africa and England in Durban.
Amla: good start will change everything
All it takes is one good session to start the resurgence of the Proteas, says captain Hashim Amla.
KP: SA on a tightrope
Kevin Pietersen believes South Africa have a lot more to lose than just a series if things don’t go their way, raising the question of the quota system.
A mighty farewell
South Africa will return to the ground where one of their greatest players played his final match when they take on England in Durban for the Boxing Day Test.
‘We have picked the best players’
Fringe players will have to perform consistently if they want to dethrone one of the current Proteas batsmen, says Russell Domingo.
Klusener to improve SA batting
Dolphins coach Lance Klusener has been roped in by the Proteas to help the lower order improve their batting ahead of the England series.
Stokes fires up white-ball squads
England selectors have brought back the dynamic Ben Stokes into the ODI and T20 formats for the series against the Proteas early next year… and there is no place for Stuart Broad.
Batsmen hold the key
The better batting unit will most likely determine the outcome of the series between South Africa and England.
A riveting stalemate
The last time England toured South Africa, the four-match Test series ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw. We look back at the 2009/10 series.
Battling for balance
Two years on, and the Proteas’ Test side is still struggling to fill the void left by Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis. JON CARDNELLI reports.
Struggling batsmen not an issue
The Proteas batsmen’s failings ahead of the first Test against England should not be too much of a concern.
Steyn’s fitness is key
South Africa’s plan to intimidate and destroy England’s batsmen will hinge on the fitness of Dale Steyn.
Van Zyl has point to prove
After a difficult series against India, Stiaan van Zyl knows the clock is ticking on his continued selection as an opener for the Test side.
Hoping for glory
The tourists seem light in key areas but will be looking to regroup and find the right balance in South Africa, writes LAWRENCE BOOTH in Sport Monthly.
Home advantage is a blessing
Every armchair critic is a national selector and no South African squad will ever be met with universal approval.
