England slumped to their seventh defeat in their last 10 Tests after South Africa thrashed them comprehensively by 340 runs in Trent Bridge to level the four-match series at one apiece.
Chasing a world record 474 runs in their second innings, Joe Root’s men could only muster a paltry 133 runs in reply. The fact that they lasted only 44.2 overs on a track still good for batting has invited further criticism for their aggressive approach.
With two crucial Tests to come at the Oval and Old Trafford, there are several players in the English contingent who will feel that their spots are under threat.
Here’s a look at the three players facing the axe come the third Test.
Ballance has failed to convert any of the three starts he has had this series.
The Yorkshire batsmen has been given a third chance to prove himself in national colours with his selection for the series after being dropped twice from the squad before. Good mate and Yorkshire teammate Root has pointed out that Ballance was very much his selection.
With scores of 20, 34, 27 and 4 in the two tests so far, the left-hander playing the crucial position of three down would definitely be facing uncertainty over his role.
The Zimbabwe-born cricketer has failed to convert three solid starts in the series. A finger injury sustained in the second Test might just make up the minds of the England think tank.
#GaryBallance Test career:
— MOHAMMED JEELANI (@am_jaanu) July 15, 2017
First 10 Tests:1019 runs @ 67.93,with 4 100s, 5 50s
Last 13 Tests: 475 runs @ 19.79, with 0 100s, 2 50s#ENGvSA
Jennings’ defence has left a lot to be desired.
The South African born opener had a dream start to his Test career with a century on debut against India last year. Lately though, things haven’t been rosy for Jennings with a high score of 33 in the four innings he has played this series.
The fact that he has scored a combined total of just 11 runs in the other three innings further illustrates the opener’s vulnerability at the top of the order. With Alastair Cook’s struggles at the other end, Jennings will have to come good soon to justify his place at the top.
Wood has had a disappointing series
Having picked up one solitary wicket in a combined 197 overs bowled in the two Tests so far, the Durham pacer’s struggles are for all to see. While he has had some troubles with his left heel, Wood has not been able to generate any sort of rhythm so far in his return to the long format after two long years.
Playing the crucial role of the third seamer in the English setup, the 27-year-old has failed to back up the efforts of Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad and come the third Test, it would be a surprise to see him line up against the Proteas.
