So the first Test XI just dropped:

1. :eng: :bat: Zak Crawley
2. :eng: :bat: Alex Lees
3. :eng: :bat: Ollie Pope
4. :eng: :bat: Joe Root
5. :eng: :wkb: Jonny Bairstow
6. :eng: :ar: Ben Stokes :c:
7. :eng: :wk: Ben Foakes
8. :eng: :bwl: Stuart Broad
9. :eng: :bwl: Jack Leach
10. :eng: :bwl: Matty Potts
11. :eng: :bwl: Jimmy Anderson

I still can't quite wrap my head around the continued presence of Zak Crawley. If they very specifically want a right-handed strokemaking opener, why not Phil Salt or Alex Davies or Dan Bell-Drummond or, or, or...
 
South Africa are missing Olivier as well. Lethal lineup.
 
South Africa are missing Olivier as well. Lethal lineup.

Olivier has been absolute gash since his return in terms of pace. Would rather have Sipamla or Coetzee ahead of him as the next cab off the rank.

Nortje is a very puzzling bowler. Up until the Bairstow dismissal he was getting clobbered by Pope and bowling just below 140 with terrible accuracy. That wicket happens and all of a sudden he is pushing close to 150 and bowling threatening lines. If I had to pick one guy to get Bazballed this series it would probably be him.

No Maharaj to Pope is also puzzling. The latter shivers at the mere thought of a spinner and thrives on pace, even bringing the former for an over or two could have brought some doubt to his mind.
 

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