England V South Africa 2nd test

After the drawn first test, the inevitable post Flintoff questions have surfaced regarding the balance of the side. Does Bell keep his place? Do we bring in Luke Wright? Do we go with Sidebottom in a 5 man attack?.

All indications from the dressing room seems to point to it being the same again, which probably remains the best option. Bell, for his failings in the last match, did make a vital, yet quickly forgotten, 1st innings 72 against the Aussies in the final Ashes test. Prior has batted well over the past 12 months, but it not quite ready to become a regular test match number 6, as happened at Headingley in the summer - and we all know what happened in that match!! Broad and Swann remain very handy test number 8 and 9's, both playing with flair and aggression, but asking them to potentially build innings from 7 is asking for to much. Not that Broad hasn't got the potential - and Prior the same - in the future to step up one place in the order. All considered, to keep Wright and Sidebottom waiting appears the best, and safest option!!

The South Africans only change appears to be impressive debutant Friedel De Wet for Dale Steyn in a like for like swap, allowing the below par Makhaya Ntini to win cap 101.

Whatever the team line-ups expect another fiercely contested match, with many an ebb and flow.