The rivalry between South Africa and England is an intense, competitive and fascinating one. Perhaps not as widely acclaimed as Australia vs. England or Pakistan vs. India, but still gargantuan in standing.
Traditionally (and certainly over the last few years) the odds have been pretty even. In 28 encounters since South Africa's re-admission into international cricket, the records are:
South Africa -> Won 8, Lost 8 and England -> Won 8, Lost 8 with twelve encounters being drawn/no-result.
This series is to be no different, both teams seem to have a fairly stable line-ups with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Strengths
South Africa
South Africa have a very strong bowling line-up. Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Paul Harris are likely to lead the attack.
Steyn has everything you need in England (or anywhere else for that matter); pace, swing and a potent bouncer.
England
Bowling. Fantastic exponents of swing and at home are devastating if teams are not properly prepared to face swing bowling.
Who remembers Matthew Hoggard tearing through the South African lineup? Pure poetry.
The Weaknesses
South Africa
A tendency to be slightly on the frail side, batting wise, with top-order collapse a firm likelihood. The batting should not be taken likely, however. With Smith, Kallis, Amla, de Villiers, Mckenzie and Prince, it's a fairly decent line-up that bats all the way down.
England
Overreliance on one player seems to be the norm; England need to pull together as a team a little in order to be the potent force they always threaten to be.
It's going to be a fascinating series, with the outcome firmly placed in favour of the team that bowls the best. I believe the players to watch are the bowlers, especially Steyn and Anderson as I believe they hold the defining performance in at least one Test match.
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