England Takes on South Africa at Lord's

It's the middle of Summer, England are playing South Africa at Lords on Thursday for the first match of their four game series, and guess what? It's raining.The last time South Africa visited these shores in 2003 they managed to draw the series and whilst England beat them in a series in South Africa in 2005 for the first time in 40 years, that side also went on to beat Australia and win the Ashes. The current group of players are nowhere near to achieving that standard, and despite coming off the back of victories over New Zealand, the Kiwis are simply not in the same league as South Africa. Evens about South Africa taking the series seems a fair price.Do you think England will Triumph over South Africa? Click here for a free bet with Canbet!With the exception of Kevin Pietersen (and on his day Michael Vaughan) it is hard to see many match winners in the England side. The Saffers are well aware of the danger Pietersen poses, and Jacques Kallis risked pointing out the obvious this week by saying that their attack will be doing their utmost to get him out early.Needless to say that they will be trying to prevent him playing his controversial switch-hit too often. The South Africans on the other hand have plenty of firepower right through the order and their bowling attack looks formidable in comparsion to England's. One player who always seems to play well against England is captain, Graeme Smith, who averages 54.61 against them. Those who are looking for a bigger price should look no further than the 20/1 available with Canbet about Mark Boucher, who has the ability to score heavily late on. The South Africans have a post-apartheid 3/3 record at Lords and I expect them to win the series, starting by taking victory on Thursday with the first test. With rain forecast over the next few days the draw is very short. However, though rain is forecast for Thursday the weather should improve by Friday and through the weekend giving Graeme Smith and his team plenty of time to put England in their place. Because the draw is so short at the moment you are able to back South Africa at odds of 2/1. That price must be value if the improving forecast for the weekend proves correct. Recommendations: Graeme Smith Top South African Batsman - 7/2 (Canbet)Mark Boucher Top South African Batsman - 20/1 (Canbet)South Africa win 1st Test - 2/1Do you think England will Triumph over South Africa? Click here for a free bet with Canbet!