LONDON, July 19 (Reuters) – England won the toss and elected
to bat in the first test against South Africa at The Oval on
Thursday, as the hosts seek to retain their position at the top
of the world rankings.
““The wicket looks surprisingly dry given the amount of rain
we have had lately,” England captain Andrew Strauss said at the
coin flip.
England recalled their two leading fast bowlers James
Anderson and Stuart Broad after they were rested for the third
test against West Indies last month, coming in for Steven Finn
and the injured Graham Onions.
Also as expected, South Africa fielded AB de Villiers as
wicketkeeper in place of the now retired Mark Boucher.
England have been number one in the rankings for a year,
while South Africa dropped to third last week but can still go
top by winning this three-match series.
England have won their last seven test series at home, while
the Proteas are unbeaten in away series for six years.
The toss was delayed by 25 minutes because of a brief
shower.
Record levels of rain have fallen in the UK between April
and July, but brighter, drier weather is forecast for later in
the match.
Teams:
Continued…
