South Africa prepare to face England at home © Getty Images (File Photo)
African giants South Africa take on European powerhouse England on Day 1 of the first of the three-match Test series at the Kingsmead Stadioum in Durban on Saturday. South Africa, who are coming off a dreadful performance in the just-councluded Test series against India, as they lost the four-match series 3-0, would look for a turnaround, as they prepare to face England at home, while the English too are coming off a poor performance in their last Test series against Pakistan in UAE, where they lost the two-match series 2-0, and would aim to attck the Proteas on their injured wounds off the tour from India. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs England, 1st Test at Durban
Both teams will relish a return to more familiar conditions after struggling on slow, spin-friendly pitches during their defeats. The absence of leading bowler James Anderson because of a calf strain is a major blow to England at a ground where swing bowlers often prosper, while the return to action after injury of Dale Steyn is a boost for South Africa. But England have reason for confidence after showing outstanding form in two warm-up games, while South Africa’s batsmen, most of whom failed in India, were unable to rediscover their best form while playing in four-day domestic matches, with only Temba Bavuma making a half-century, reported AFP. LIVE CRICKET UPDATES: South Africa vs England, 1st Test at Durban
England will be encouraged by their record at Kingsmead, where South Africa have their poorest record at a home venue, with nine wins and six defeats in 21 matches since returning to Test cricket in 1992. England have not been beaten at the ground during this period, drawing three Tests and winning the 2009-10 encounter by an innings, added AFP. South Africa, England aim to return to winning ways in Boxing Day Test at Durban