South Africa v England cricket predictions, tips & odds update, 1st Test

South Africa v England 3rd Test betting predictions, tips & match preview

This clash heralds the start of a fascinating four-Test series between two of the traditional heavy hitters of world cricket.
Our South Africa v England betting preview will run you through the latest news surrounding the series, plus highlight our best bets and tips for the first Test.
Despite their lofty placings of South Africa at three and England at four in the ICC Test rankings, it’s pretty clear both teams are setting about rebuilding their teams in the longest form of the game.
The last time these teams clashed in South Africa, opening batsmen Alastair Cook led England to a memorable 2-1 series win four years ago.
But England have won just two of their past 11 away Test series and were soundly beaten 1-0 in their recent two-Test series in New Zealand. They still have issues surrounding their top order and also are in a transition period with their bowling with Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad close to the end of sterling careers.
South Africa likewise are looking to get back to the top after losing the likes of Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers in recent years.
Which all means it looks a difficult series to nail down as far as picking a winner goes.
Throwing further confusion into the mix is that a bug has ripped through the England camp in weeks leading up to the Test, with pacemen Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad and spinner Jack Leach withdrawn from the last tour game.
England called up off-spinner Dom Bess and medium-pacer Craig Overton as cover.
Continue reading for our South Africa v England predictions and odds update for the first Test of the four-Test series being played in South Africa.

South Africa v England odds

Match result: South Africa to win $2.25; draw $5.50; England to win $2.25.
Man of the match betting:
$9 Ben Stokes
$10 James Anderson, Joe Root, Kagiso Rabada
$11 Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Vernon Philander
$13 Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis
$15 Quinton de Kock

For plenty more markets and special offers we recommend wagering with a South Africa-licensed bookmaker if you are betting from South Africa, while punters in England have a vast array of options from which to choose.

South Africa v England best bets

As always when we preview cricket matches, we provide a few best bets, and Centurion has been a ground which almost always produces a result. It is one of the faster wickets in the country and pacemen and spinners alike can do well there. It is something of a fortress for the home team, so that fact alone, along with South Africa’s still dangerous bowling line-up has us leaning towards the Proteas.

Quinton de Kock man of the match at $15

We can’t help but feel the left-hander has been an underachiever given his tremendous natural talent but he still has time on his side to live up to the promise and lift his Test batting average in the mid 40s at least from the current 38.1. This could be time to finally break through as a star at the Test level as well as in the short forms of the game.

South Africa to win at $2.25

As mentioned they love playing at Centurion and England, while a talented side, have not been great at Test level this year. We are happy to take a punt on the home team and while this should be a tense and tight contest, they have enough players with enough to prove to get them over the line in the series opener.

Ben Stokes to top-score in England first innings

Quite simply the red-headed all-rounder is at the peak of his powers. He can be a match-winner with bat and ball and is also an outstanding fielder. He is never far away from his next big knock and you can get around the $5 mark for him to lead the scorers in England’s first dig.

South Africa v England prediction

The Proteas’ record at this ground reads 24 Test matches for 19 wins, three draws and just two losses: against England in 2000 and Australian in 2014. That tell us they seriously know how to handle the conditions there.

How to bet on South Africa v England

South Africa v England betting is available at all leading online betting sites, with cricket a mainstay at bookmaker sites. In England, William Hill offers many match specials and is competitive with all prices. South African are likewise spoiled for choice though legally must bet with bookmakers licensed in their home country.

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