Michael Holding backs England to level the series at Lord's - Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Anthony-Holding-c75756, the former West Indian great, has said that coming from behind to level the series at Lord’s would be a great achievement for England against a formidable South African team.
Holding believes that despite being outplayed by the visitors for the major chunk of the opening two Tests, a victory in the final Test will give the Poms added belief to prolong their stay as the pinnacle team in Test cricket.
“If they can win the third Test at Lord's and draw the series it will show they have the grit and determination to stay at number one as well as the talent,” Holding added.
The home side was thrashed by an innings and 12 runs at the Oval, but responded well in the following Test at Leeds, where they came within a realistic chance to win the match after triggering a South African batting collapse on the final day.
Holding said that dropping http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GP-Swann-c1501 was a sane decision on part of the English management as the Headingley wicket offered support for batsmen, much like the Oval. The legendary Windies pacer reckons that bringing in Swann in place of Steven Finn would
increase the chances for the English team to square the series.
It was the first time since 2009 that the premier spinner had lost his place, with the management going with an all out seam attack. However, Finn returned with dismal figures and was the most expensive English bowler during the second Test match.
“I would expect Swann to return at the expense of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ST-Finn-c2566 for the third Test, though, which would be disappointing for the Finn because I rate him highly and Lord's is his home ground.”
The Jamaican legend believes that the series is still alive, backing the Poms to continue from their improved performance at Headingley and match their opponents in the deciding battle for Test supremacy.
“Headingley's contest was a fairer reflection and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 are certainly capable of winning at Lord's and drawing the series,” Holding, 58, concluded.
The final Test of the Investec series will start from Aug 16.
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