England to turn the screw

Root will inspire his boys to 2-0

England line-up for day one of their second test vs South Africa at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Friday morning. The locals were convincing winners last time, taking a 1-0 lead, and will be confident of building on that this week.

As always, armchair fans can follow every bat and ball live on Sky Sports, and we have the needs of punters covered. Add real interest to the occasion with a bet at Coral – pick the match winner, top England 1^st innings run scorer, man of the match, or a host of in-play markets right here.

Root’s approach simple yet effective

New England captain Joe Root got off to a flying start as leader of the national team, helping his men breeze to a 211-run victory in the first test, a result that never looked in trouble. The 26-year-old was given full credit by pundits and players for his workmanlike approach, remaining very low-key in the build up to avoid heaping unnecessary pressure on his boys.

Coral traders seem eager to keep the fans favourite close this week too, and he’s 11/4 to score most first innings runs for his side, while the Yorkshireman to lead by example with a man of the match performance will earn you 6/1. That price makes him favourite, ahead of Alastair Cook at 8/1. There’s plenty of match specials to hold your interest too. Why not have a go on Root to score 1^st innings 50, England to claim 1^st innings lead and to win the match. That’s a 3/1 play.