Eng mull playing four pacers against SA

PRETORIA: England are considering an all-pace attack for the first Test against South Africa in Pretoria starting on Boxing Day, but their plans will depend on whether they can get Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad fully fit come December 26

Both fast bowlers had net sessions on Monday and came through unscathed, but have not bowled in match conditions on the tour after being laid low by flu over the past week

With James Anderson only recently back to full fitness after an extended spell on the sidelines, there may be concerns about any of them breaking down However, England coach Chris Silverwood said they would trust the players on how they feel

“Broady, if he tells me he is fit then I have to believe him He has got a lot of experience under his belt and he knows his body,” Silverwood

told reporters here on Monday

“Jofra has had two good days (in the nets) and as long as his pace is up and he feels good, then he will be a serious contender for selection,” he added

Silverwood admits an all-pace attack on what is traditionally a bouncy pitch on the Highveld is something they are considering

“We are looking at what is most effective on this ground We have got some good recent results from the spin-bowling department and (Jack) Leach is coming back to fitness, we also have Dominic Bess and Parky (Matthew Parkinson),” he said

“We have got resources there, but we are just looking at what will be most effective in this game We are not definitely going down the route of all seam, it is something we will discuss in the next few days”

Other seam options include Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood and Craig Overton