England v South Africa: Strauss’ men out to bounce back in 2nd Test

Despite being dismantled by South Africa in the first Test at the Oval England head into the second match of the series as a 2/1 shot to prevail as the victors.

Andy Flower’s men were taken apart by the Proteas last time out collapsing to an innings and 12 runs defeat as they were made to look pedestrian by a rampant South African side.

The tourists are also 2/1 to secure a second win and the series at Headingley.

Their bowling attack was in fine form in the capital and their batting line-up looked a class above as Hashim Amla became the first of his countrymen to score 300 runs.

The draw is also available at 11/8 in what is expected to be a tight contest with a vast improvement expected from the home side.

The number one Test ranking is also on the line with the visitors needing just one win to replace the English at the top of the ICC rankings.

The Three Lions have been poor in recent Test affairs, losing five of their last nine and if they are to hold on at the summit of world cricket they will need wholesale advances.

There will need to be a vast improvement with the ball as worryingly England managed to take just two wickets whilst the visiting side took 20 in a seemingly easy manner.

The last time these two clashed in Leeds it resulted in a dominant South African victory as they won by 10 wickets, an outcome the hosts will be keen to avoid in order to keep the series alive and hold on to their number one status.

There have been calls for Steven Finn to be introduced into the bowling attack to freshen up an attack that appeared to have become somewhat stale and predictable.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.