England and South Africa set for first Lord's Test as new captains Joe Root and Dean Elgar contend with selection issues

Sport360 staff 12:27 05/07/2017
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  • Captains: Joe Root and Dean Elgar.

    It’s a new start for both teams at Lord’s. For England, Joe Root takes on the Test captaincy reins, a position he was earmarked to reach early on in his career. How he copes with the pressure of captaincy will be critical as he is the lynchpin of England’s batting. Alastair Cook now only has to worry about his own batting so expect an energised Cook to take guard in London.

    England’s bowling, however, is a concern. Stuart Broad has just about recovered from a heel injury. James Anderson, 34, returns from a groin tear while Jake Ball and Chris Woakes have been ruled out due to knee and side strains respectively. Even Ben Stokes has struggled with knee issues since his IPL stint. Not good signs ahead of a highly competitive four Test series that has been crammed into 30 days. The demands put on pacers’ bodies will be immense.

    South Africa have even bigger problems. AB de Villiers is not taking part in the series and is expected to announce his retirement from Tests next month as he looks to improve his chances of helping South Africa win the 2019 World Cup. The Proteas have managed well in his prolonged absence though, winning their last four Test series. Captain Faf du Plessis has taken up the responsibility without any hiccups but even he is unavailable for the first Test to be with his wife and new-born child, with Dean Elgar named as captain.

    On the bowling front, there is a giant Dale Steyn-sized hole in the pace attack. The veteran pacer has struggled with a shoulder injury for a long time and in his absence, young quick Kagiso Rabada has become the leader of the pack. He will have some experienced shoulders to rely on. Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel have 414 Test wickets between them and will provide the back-up.

    Both teams are light in the spin bowling department. South Africa only have one – left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, while England have Moeen Ali and the inexperienced Liam Dawson.

    The spotlight thus falls on the leadership of Root and Elgar in the opening Test. Elgar at least knows he is just keeping the seat warm for Faf but there will be no place to hide for Root.

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