ENGLAND AIM TO DETHRONE TEST KINGS SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA’S status as the top-ranked testplaying nation has been dented after their crushing defeat in India last month and is in danger of being eroded completely by England over the next month or two. The two nations begin a four-match test series in Durban tomorrow, which is expected to be evenly matched and should provide answers to several questions asked of both amid their recent trials. England will look to solve personnel problems in key batting and bowling slots and build more consistency in their selections, while South Africa seek to dispel suggestions that they are a side on the decline, suddenly lacking in the confidence that has been the hallmark of their reign as the world’s top test side. Both countries return to seam-friendly wickets after losing on spinning tops in India and – for some of the time – the United Arab Emirates in the last two months. South Africa’s limitations against spin were cruelly exposed in India in a one-sided four-test series, which the home team won 3-0 and which could have been a whitewash had weather not intervened. England were beaten 2-0 by Pakistan in a three-match series in the UAE, prompting several changes – notably the axing of stalwart Ian Bell – to the squad for the South African tour. England are still seeking to solve the longstanding problem of finding a reliable opening partner for Alastair Cook, having gone through seven in 39 tests since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012. Alex Hales will be the eighth to open the innings with the captain while the No.3 slot is likely to go to Nick Compton, making a return to the side after lasting only nine tests at the top of the order after being appointed Strauss’s immediate successor.