Rare chance for SA Women to showcase Test credentials at home
Test cricket might be the most traditional format of the game but when it comes to the women's game, it is a debatable point. Very few teams get to play regularly in the longest format and South Africa are a case in point. Since their first ever Test match way back in 1960-61, coincidentally against England, the Proteas have only featured in nine bilateral series. Since 2001-02, that figure is seven, which is better but still much lesser than some of the major teams. For example, their opponents England have featured in more than double this number during the same period. Another shocking statistic is that South Africa haven't played a home Test since 2002!
Given that South Africa and England have played Tests over the last 12 months, there is some recent form to work with. Both sides faced the same opponents during this period – Australia and India. England let slip a golden opportunity to beat their Ashes rivals and self-destructed to lose by 89 runs. That loss eventually proved decisive as Australia retained the urn despite losing the ODI and T20I series thereafter. England's one-off Test in India also didn't go to plan as they were outplayed thoroughly.
India proved a tough place for South Africa as well, with the Proteas also enduring a heavy defeat. Prior to that, they toured Australia where they were beaten comprehensively as well. Given the ultra-low frequency of Test cricket that they play, South Africa are yet to find a tempo to their game in the longest format. Almost the same squad that featured in the white-ball leg of this England series are in the Test side too with Laura Wolvaardt once again at the helm. The visitors also have a similar core to their limited-overs side but have two changes in the form of Seren Smale and Ryana Macdonald Gay.
On paper, both in terms of skill set and relative experience, England are overwhelming favourites but this format is often about the test of mental strength. Whichever side comes out trump in that regard could go a long way in getting across the line in this fixture. Particularly given that neither side has won a series in the recent past. South Africa's only Test series win came back in 2007 against a rookie Netherlands outfit while England last won a series in 2014 when they beat Australia in Australia.
When: South Africa vs England, one-off Test, December 15-18, 10 am local | 13:30 IST
Where: Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
What to expect: Historical data at the venue suggests a good pitch with a bit in it for everyone. Bowlers have generally got their rewards but the surface has initially been batting-friendly for a day or two before declining rapidly. The stark dip in average scores from first innings to fourth innings also suggests the same. Weather-wise, there could be the odd shower and thunderstorms are also expected in the morning on the first couple of days, so play could be a bit stop-start.
Seamer Tumi Sekhukhune, who wasn't part of the white-ball series, has been named in the squad and is likely to be part of the XI. Rest of the playing combination should be similar to the one they fielded in the ODIs and T20Is with all-rounders leading the way.
Probable XI: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta(wk), Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba. Masabata Klaas
The visitors are also expected to stick to the core that played in the limited-overs series but they have a few decisions to make. Danny Wyatt-Hodge is in excellent white-ball form and did play the Test in India but that was due to her spin-handling skills. Whether she still makes the cut or if England opt for a specialist in Seren Smale remains to be seen. Sophia Dunkley's spot is also vulnerable as England could opt for Freya Kemp as an all-round option.
Probable XI: Tammy Beaumont, Seren Smale/Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp/Danny Wyatt-Hodge, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer