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England and South Africa meet in the second Test of their three match series on Thursday at Headingly.
It looks to be another thrilling few days of Test cricket between these two best sides in the world.
Looking at England to begin with, after being heavily beaten in the first match they know that nothing other than a victory will do here if they are to win the series.
It is now time for the Three Lions to show what a good side they are, the best teams bounce back from heavy defeats.
They took just two wickets at the Oval, something that must change this time out. James Anderson will need to lead the attack from the front with fast, attacking bowling that can take wickets.
The top six batsman will also need to step up their game and score some big scores, especially the top three – Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook and Jonathan Trott.
It seems as though one of these three really need to get runs to allow the flair players down the order to play their natural game.
If England are to stay as the number one side in the world, they cannot lost this match.
As for South Africa, their performance at the Oval showed everyone what a fantastic Test side they are.
Graeme Smith’s men gave their opponents a lesson in how to bat, scoring a massive 637-2 in their first innings.
It was a treble century from Hashim Amla that stole the headlines, but Smith and Jacques Kallis also managed to reach three figures.
Dale Steyn then showd why he is such a highly-rated bowler with five wickets in England’s second innings. Steyn attacked his opponents and was bowling very quick – something that please Smith.
South Africa will know what a fantastic chance they have to become the best in world cricket.
Match Odds
It is very rare that England are not the favourites on home soil. However, this time out it looks as though a draw is the most likely result with odds of 2.50 (6/4) with SportingBet.
South Africa will then be hopeful that they can come out on top again and clinch the series. You can back this at 3.10 (21/10) with Coral.
England are then available at 3.25 (9/4).
Top Batsman
After his superb knock last time out, it is no surprise that Hashim Amla leads the way in terms of being his side’s leading scorer. He is being offered at 4.50 (7/2) with Ladbrokes.
Alistair Cook is then England’s most likely to be his team’s top batsman after his century at the Oval. He has odds of 4.50 (7/2) with Paddy Power.
Recommended Bet
Kevin Pietersen will know he needs to up his game and he usually does that when the pressure is really on. Him being Man of the Match can be backed at 15.00 (14/1) with Bet365.
