Practically every Test in this series is a homecoming of sorts for one player or another in the England line-up but this is the most high profile because Durban is KP country.
Pietersen played against England at Kingsmead ten years ago as young off-spinner for KwaZulu Natal. After the game he pestered several England players about how to get a county trial.
Michael Vaughan wrote in his autobiography “I passed his name on to Yorkshire but they were not interested.” Whoops. Pietersen has admitted this Test “will be special.”
England will hope so. It is the last of 2009 – an incredibly difficult year for Pietersen. Sacked as captain, sold as the IPL’s most expensive player, injured for the Ashes and back in South Africa. Could there be one more storyline?
Keeping faith England seem likely to stick with six batters and one reason could be the form of Matt Prior, who has not scored a fifty for eight innings. Prior is now an excellent keeper, who has the confidence to stand up to the stumps against James Anderson, and can bat at a decent pace. But he could do with a score to silence any niggling doubts.
Kings of Kingsmead England have lost only one of 14 Tests at Durban and that defeat was in 1928. But don’t get too carried away. Since South Africa’s were readmitted to world cricket England have drawn all three Tests in Durban and their last win was in 1964 when their wicketkeeper, Jim Parks, made a hundred. Take note Matt Prior.
Playing the mindgames Not a press conference goes by without the South Africans having a pop at England. After Centurion they were irritated by England’s celebrations at drawing the Test and annoyed by Jonathan Trott’s pre-shot routine.
This all comes after spending the one-day series questioning the treatment of Adil Rashid and querying Andrew Strauss’ captaincy. England appear to have decided against any verbal revenge. For now.
Festive weather Rain is forecast for the Christmas period in Durban and the hot steamy, humid coast will feel a long way from the High Veldt of Centurion. England hope the wet weather equals a swinging ball. It could be their best hope.
Streaming Links: (Sopcast , TVUPlayer,Justin.tv and more..)
Popularity: 10% [?]
