England and South Africa are locked at one win apiece heading to the 3rd and final Test Match at The Oval starting on Thursday. We take a look at the Test from a betting angle.
All 3 series between these sides have gone into a decider. The ODI series eventually finished 1-1 after weather intervened in the decider, but South Africa won the T20 series 2-1.
They also got their Test series off to a great start with a victory by an innings and 12 runs against the English at Lords, but last time out at Old Trafford in Manchester it was England who bounced back winning by an innings and 85 runs.
South Africa had won the toss and elected to bat first and they were soon in trouble eventually getting bowled out for a 151 with Rabada top scoring with 36 down towards the bottom of the innings. The wickets were split between the English bowlers and veterans Broad and Anderson both grabbed 3 scalps.
England looked like they would be just happy with a small first innings at one point, but centuries by Stokes and Foakes in the middle order saw them reach 415 for 9 declared. Nortje with 3 for 82 was the top wicket taker amongst the South Africa bowlers.
South Africa’s second innings got off to a solid enough start, but none of the top order were able to kick on and in the end Keegan Petersen’s 42 was the top score in an innings of 179. Ollie Robinson was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 43 in his 15 overs.
England don’t have the best of records at The Oval with a 50% win record in their last 8 Test Matches, they have lost 3 and drawn 1. They most recently went down to India at this ground.
BETTING – Click here to bet
England 23/20
Draw 9/4
South Africa 26/10
Suggested bet: South Africa win at 26/10
Yes, the Proteas got thing horribly wrong in the 2nd Test Match, but they have a formidable bowling attack and if they can just get more support from the batsmen this time round I think they can complete a very successful tour.
Top Away Batsman 1st Innings, Petersen at 4/1
I have been very impressed with what I have seen of Petersen so far and I think it is a matter of time before he converts the start into a big innings.
Top Away Bowler 1st Innings, Nortje at 28/10
Nortje is proving himself to be a wicket taking bowler and I am expecting him to be amongst the wickets again.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
