CRICKET : Michael Vaughan believes the forthcoming Test series in South Africa could be decided by a head-to-head of the captains.
Michael Vaughan believes the forthcoming Test series in South Africa could be decided by a head-to-head of the captains.
Vaughan led England in their 2004-05 campaign success against the Proteas and has pinpointed the duel between his successor Andrew Strauss and Graeme Smith as the key this time.
Vaughan, speaking as a new ambassador of Advanced Hair Studio, said: “The Test series will be interesting. It will come down to which team will win the key moments. In fact, it may come down to the captains, which of them can get the most runs and which of them can be shrewdest in their decision-making in the field.”
South Africa’s rise to number one in the Test rankings came on the back of an aggressive fast-bowling unit led by Dale Steyn.
However, despite recognition of Steyn’s obvious ability – he took 34 wickets in six Tests against Australia last winter – the 35-year-old believes England have greater potency with the ball.
“I think our attack has more wickets in it than theirs does,” said Vaughan. “I see Steyn and think ‘yes, he’s dangerous’ but you can prepare against him.
“There’s nothing that the South Africans will throw at you that will surprise you. They aren’t going to do anything that’s unusual.
“There is no mystery to their attack and by the same token neither is there to ours.
“But James Anderson is really developing as an international bowler and his ability to swing the ball both in and out will hopefully have Smith moving around that crease.”
