The fourth and the final Test match between South Africa and England will be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Not too many would have bet on the hosts been down 0-1 at the start of the series, and with score-line looking the way it is right now, it is left to the ‘desperate’ South African side to gamble a little with the pitch.
Wanderers has usually produced some interesting battles, and if the curator was to be believed, the pitch could be something similar to the one found during the Champions Trophy in October. The live, green grass on the surface will ensure a result and the chances of a draw (2/1 at Bet365) are very bleak. Bet Fred offers 6/4 for a South African win as against Ladbrokes’ offer of 5/2 for the tourists to win the series 2-0.
The English batsmen may not have been flamboyant, but have exhibited enough grit to thwart the South Africans. The lone flamboyant batsman in the side, Kevin Pietersen (4/1 at Boylesports to top the England batting) has been more involved in off-field news, and will look to make this game count. On a difficult pitch though, it has usually been Paul Collingwood (6/1 at 888Sport to top the English batting) who has made the fans sit up and take notice, and it may not be too different in this game.
Of course, with Alastair Cook (4/1 at Coral) and Ian Bell (7/1 at William Hill, both to be the best batsman for England) having regained his touch with a century and a half century off consecutive games, it could well be either of the two to top-score for the English side.
South Africa will bank upon the experienced Graeme Smith (7/2 at Bet Fred to be the best batsman for South Africa) to lead from the front. However, despite being the second-highest scorer in the series, almost 60% of his runs have come in one innings. Jacques Kalls is another batsman who has shown considerable grit in the series and is the joint favourite to top-score for the home team – 7/2 at Coral.
But, for the home team to get going, they will need considerable support from the middle order in AB de Villiers (5/1 at Totesport) and JP Duminy (8/1 at Ladbrokes, both to top-score for South Africa). The two have been a tad out of form, and that has hurt the South African chances in the series so far.
Tips:
Favourites: South Africa (6/4 at Bet Fred)
Top South African batsman: AB de Villiers (5/1 at Totesport)
Top English batsman: Paul Collingwood (6/1 at 888Sport)