South Africa are still reeling from the 0-3 loss against India in the just-concluded four-match Test series © AFP (File Photo)
Visitors England face off against hosts South Africa on Day 1 of the first of the three-match Test series at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Saturday. England, who are coming of a poor performance in the previous Test series against Pakistan, lost the series after they were whitewashed 0-2. They had earlier come up with a steallr performance in the Ashes, winning the tournament 3-2. However, couldn;t repeat the same in UAE, as they look to take advantage of a depleted South Africvan side, who are still reeling from the 0-3 loss against India in the just-concluded four-match Test series, and look to tame them in their own backyard. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs England, 1st Test at Durban
South Africa and England meet at Kingsmead from Saturday in the first of four Tests between two evenly-match teams, both seeking a return to winning ways. South Africa were trounced 3-0 by India recently in their biggest setback since becoming the top-ranked Test team in 2012, while England were beaten 2-0 by Pakistan in the UAE in their most recent series. 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, reports AFP. LIVE CRICKET UPDATES: South Africa vs England, 1st Test at Durban, Day 1
Squads:
England: Alastair Cook (c), Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Taylor, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Nick Compton, Chris Jordan, Samit Patel, James Anderson, Mark Footitt, Gary Ballance.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla (c), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (wk), Jean-Paul Duminy, Dane Piedt, Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Rilee Rossouw, Stiaan van Zyl.