The England Test team begin life under new captain Joe Root at the spiritual home of cricket, Lords. England won the One-day series and IT20 between the two sides

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Match Preview – 6th July – 10:30 – Venue – Lord’s

England vs South Africa Preview

England will be hoping to get back to winning ways after a long break away from the Test arena. Our England vs South Africa preview features two teams among the top four teams in Test cricket. England lie fourth and South Africa second in the latest ICC rankings, though England haven’t played a Test match since the turn of the year.

Key players to watch

All eyes will be on incoming Test captain Joe Root in his first game in charge of England. He is arguably England’s best batsman and will need to lead from the front as the pressure mounts on his young shoulders. Outgoing captain Alastair Cook will open the batting and should pile the runs on without the worry of captaincy. For South Africa, Hashim Amla is key with the bat, while Vernon Philander will have to take the new ball without the injured Dale Steyn

Both teams recent form

England last played the longest form of the game in December when they were well beaten while touring India. They lost that series 4-0 and came into that series on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Bangladesh. South Africa meanwhile won a three-match series against New Zealand 1-0 in March, after a resounding 3-0 win over Sri Lanka at home

England vs South Africa head-to-head

Before we look at our England vs South Africa free betting tips, we first analyze the head-to-head record between the two sides. England and South Africa have played 145 times in Test cricket, With England leading the way on 58 wins. South Africa have managed 32 wins and there have been 55 draws. The most recent series between the two sides saw England victorious 2-1 in South Africa.

Outright odds

• England to win 2.00
• Draw – 3.25
• South Africa to win – 4.00

England vs South Africa Prediction

England are ready to embrace their new era under captain Root and are favourites to take a 1-0 lead in the Npower Test series. England have struggled at Lord’s in recent times, but are the stronger of the two sides and will be looking to dominate at headquarters. South Africa are missing some key personnel and will have to be at their very best if they are to get something out of the series.

England vs South Africa Free Betting Tips

England will look to make first use of the Lord’s pitch if they win the toss so expect Joe Root to bat first if he wins the toss. Cook will be keen to get back to run-scoring now he hasn’t got the pressure of captaincy weighing him down. Hashim Amla will be the key for the tourists who are without AB de Villiers and Faf de Plessis.

• Amla top team 1st innings batsman 3.50
• Cook top team 1st innings batsman – 3.75
• England to have a first innings lead – 1.66