The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

Bazball, a phrase which has been invented by the media, which describes the new throwing caution to the wind approach that England’s cricket team is adopting.

Since the former New Zealand captain Brendan Mc Cullum, has been appointed by the ECB, The Three Lions have won their last four tests, securing a clean sweep against New Zealand (the defending, but not for much longer World Test Championships) and against India, the team who The Blackcaps beat last summer.

The series against South Africa is a different proposition altogether. The Proteas, seem certain to get to the World Test Championship final, which is a testament to the work that South African Mark Boucher and his team are doing.

I have spoken about South Africa’s fantastic bowling line-up, but to say that’s solely what makes Dean Elgar’s men a formidable opposition, is just disrespectful.

Sarel Erwee, Dean Elgar, Keegan Peterson, Rassie Van Der Dussen and Aiden Markram is a very talented batting line-up indeed. To further compliment this batting line-up they have the potentially explosive Kyle Verreynne.

Many might think looking at this South African 11, that it’s not as good as teams gone by, but so far so good from Dean Elgar’s men. On day one of the first test at Lords against England, they have done what they needed to, take wickets.

At the start of the second day (at the time of writing) are 85-1, with the sole loss of Dean Elgar, which puts them firmly in the driving seat, especially as England were 165 all out, which would have been worse had Ollie Pope not hit a brilliant 72.

Optimists will say, England have been in similar positions in their last four tests. Surely, their look will run out? As an England fan, I hope I am wrong. But if South Africa does get the better of The Three Lions, we can’t say it hasn’t been coming.

Thank you to sports direct for working in partnership with us. For brilliant products at brilliant prices including football shirts (such as La Liga club sides), or of your favourite team, be sure to check them out here;