Alastair Cook-Hashim Amla
Alastair Cook and Hashim Amla posing with the Basil D'Oliveira trophy Getty

South Africa will take on England in the first of the four match Test series at Kingsmead, Durban from 26-30 December.

Where to watch Live

Match starts at 8am GMT. Live TV coverage is available on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for the live streaming link.

Overview

Alastair Cook will be hoping England bounce back after a 2-0 series defeat at the hands of Pakistan. He failed to win the last three series against South Africa and the English skipper has a daunting task in his hands to avoid another series defeat, this time around with the younger players.

In the last four away series, England have managed to beat the Proteas only once, which came under the leadership of Michael Vaughan's leadership 11 years ago. Cook will be eager to repeat this and should he manage to do so, it will be a mental boost for the Three Lions, especially with South Africa being the number one Test team in the world.

James Taylor
James Taylor will be a key player for England in the middle order Getty

South Africa also come into this series after a disappointing display during the Test series in India. It was the turning tracks that did the damage as their batsmen struggled to get runs on the board.

Hashim Amla, who is one of the best batsmen in the world today struggled against Virat Kohli's side. He will have a point to prove in the four match Test series, along with Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers.

Prediction

England to win

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • South Africa to win: 4/6
  • Draw: 2
  • England to win: 23/20

Team News

South Africa

Possible XI: Stiaan van Zyl, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla (c), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (wk), Temba Bavuma, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Dane Piedt, Kyle Abbott, Morne Morkel

England

Possible XI: Alastair Cook (c), Alex Hales, Nick Compton, Joe Root, James Taylor, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Steven Finn

South Africa England