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Kepler expects ‘lively’ Wanderers track

Cape Town - Former South African cricket captain Kepler Wessels expects the Proteas to field four pace bowlers in the third Test against England at the Wanderers next week.

England currently lead the four-Test series 1-0 courtesy of their 241-run win in the Boxing Day Test in Durban.

The New Year’s Test at Newlands ended in a draw after both teams scored more than 600 runs in their first innings in batsman-friendly conditions.

Wessels though expects a more lively surface at the Wanderers and he has predicted that the Proteas will pick four pace-men.

“The third Test at the Wanderers is a must win for South Africa. Hopefully the surface at the Wanderers will be lively enough to produce a result,” Wessels wrote in his SuperSport column.

“I would imagine that the Proteas will play four quick bowlers at the Wanderers. Kyle Abbott will be fit but Dale Steyn is unlikely to play. Should conditions be seamer-friendly (off-spinner) Dane Piedt may be unlucky and miss out.

“This will mean Dean Elgar doing the job of the fifth bowler. That will give South Africa their best chance of bowling England out twice and levelling the series.”

Wessels, who also played Test cricket for Australia, expects an entertaining clash at the ‘Bullring’.

“England should be unchanged barring injury. We are in for a thrill at the Wanderers. Both teams will be desperate for a win.”

CLICK HERE to read Wessels's full column on SuperSport.com.

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