sport news NASSER HUSSAIN: England will have to play smarter to keep up the Test momentum ... trends now
When England take the field against South Africa at Lord's on Wednesday, their greatest wish will be to continue the momentum built up during four remarkable victories against New Zealand and India.
I fancy them to win the series, but it won't be easy.
South Africa are top of the World Test Championship, and keep churning out results under the gritty leadership of Dean Elgar. Recently, they came from behind to beat India at home.
When England take the field against South Africa on Wednesday, their greatest wish will be to continue the momentum built up during four remarkable wins against New Zealand and India
Swashbuckling wins have set the tone of the new regime under Brendon McCullum (left)
They've had a habit of unseating England captains in the not too distant past, and while I'm not suggesting they will do the same to Ben Stokes this summer, Stokes will know his team face a challenge, particularly against the South African bowlers.
The change in mindset brought about by Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been outstanding, but England have also had some narrow escapes this summer.
New Zealand were ahead in all three Tests, and it needed a huge partnership between Jonny Bairstow and Jamie Overton to get England out of trouble against them at Headingley.
England hate using the phrase 'Bazball', because that suggests they're just swinging from the hip every ball.
But they also know there will be times when they have to play the conditions: if the ball's nipping around, put the big shots in the locker for a bit. Stay positive, but don't throw it away.
This probably applies more to Zak Crawley than to anyone else in the side. He should sit down and watch a replay of his second innings against India, when he made 46 and left the ball well at the start.
His nemesis has been the booming drive early on, before he's got the pace of the pitch, but on that occasion he bided his time.
England know they will must play smart to triumph in the upcoming series against the Proteas
That applies most to under-pressure opener Zak Crawley - who should play himself in before showing off his strokes. His Edgbaston knock should be his template - it's a big series for him
Crawley has to be smart — once he's in, he can show off his strokeplay. His Edgbaston knock should be his template. It is going to be a big series for him. The other England batter who may have to tweak things at some point is Stokes himself.
I get that
