England face world no1 test nation South Africa in their own backyard this month - but one new face is refusing to be intimidated. Luke Wright, who has been handed the considerable task of filling newly retired Andrew Flintoff's size 12 boots this winter, is determined to prove his calibre in the five day international arena and is hopeful of selection for the first test in Centurion on December 16.
The Sussex all rounder has been part of the England one day international set up since September 2007, and has starred for the Twenty 20 team, but his inclusion in the test squad, who last won a series in South Africa in 2004/2005, surprised many in the British media. However the swash buckling batsman and medium pace right hander was neve one to shy away and he is ready to show he is more than just a one day specialist.
Wright has starred against the Proteas for England before, when playing for the Under 19's he managed a hatrick and match figures of 5/46. That side contained current test stars AB de Villiers JP Duminy, the 25 year old who Ian Chappell said in October would be the next great batsman after Ricky Ponting, and Wright will relish acquainting himself with old enemies.
There is one South African in particular who the England side will pit their wits against. Jacques Kallis, the 34 year old test veteran has a batting average of 55 and a bowling average of 31 in a career that spans 131 tests and 14 years.
Wright has been issued with the mission to emulate Flintoff, though he believes it is unfair to draw comparisons with the Lancashire star and former England talisman.
England are priced at 4-1 with William Hill, Victor Chandler and Bet365 Bets , a pretty clear indication of the size of the task ahead.
Pietersen and Strauss lead the way in the English Top batsman market, and are both 3/1 with Ladbrokes and looking a little further down the list for a value bet, punters may be tempted to put money on Trott, the batsman priced at 7/1 with Paddy Power Free Bets.
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