Rain may have ruined the second test between these two, however, it hasn’t ruined the series for the West Indians though who survived a series loss thanks to the frequent rain. Now at just 1-0 down they could do the unthinkable and sneak a series draw against one of the best around. The green pitch at Newlands should aid the South African team’s cause and a win to them is the most foreseeable result, for bookmakers and cricket experts.
The Last Time These Two Met
It rained centuries. And it just rained. So much so that a result wasn’t possible in Port Elizabeth. The game worked well for the career statistics of the four centurions (Elgar, du Plessis, Brathwaite, and Samuels), but it wouldn’t have made too many punters pleased.
The Teams
South Africa (likely): 1 Alviro Petersen, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Hashim Amla (capt), 5 AB de Villiers (wk), 6 Stiaan van Zyl, 7 Temba Bavuma, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir/Simon Harmer
Simon Harmer is an uncapped 25 year off-spinner who will be pushing the inconsistent Imran Tahir for a place in the side. Other than his potential inclusion, the team should be unchanged giving van Zyl and Bavuma another chance to shine.
West Indies (likely): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Devon Smith, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Denesh Ramdin (capt & wk), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Jerome Taylor, 9 Shannon Gabriel, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Kenroy Peters
Numbers 3 and 7 are the big concerns as Johnson, Blackwood and Holder have all struggled for runs. If the West Indies are tempted to make changes they’ll make them in this positions.
The Key Players
Hashim Amla – The South African captain finally gets a chance to lead his side at the intensely patriotic Newlands crowd. The last time Newlands saw the South African test side was Graeme Smith’s last in charge so they now get to welcome a new captain – one who failed in the second test and will be looking to make up for it here.
Jason Holder – Another newly appointed captain is Jason Holder. After only 23 ODI games, Holder was appointed ODI captain in a surprising move by the WICB. At just 23-years-old it’s a big test for the young all-rounder, but some wickets in runs in this match would make everyone a little bit more comfortable with the promotion.
The Odds*
South Africa – $1.22
Draw – $5
West Indies – $15.00
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Ladbrokes Australia.
The Prediction
No matter how appetising the draw money is looking, South Africa will win. Steyn, Morkel and Philander are just too good for the out of for West Indies batting lineup. There has been, and there could be again, some money to be made on tipping the first wicket partnership of the West Indies team outperforming their South African counterparts so look out for that.
