SA vs ENG, 2nd Test: Anderson Or Broad — Either One To Be Dropped From Playing XI

England head coach Chris Silverwood has hinted that either of Anderson or Broad might be dropped for the second Test to make room for a spinner

After losing the Boxing Day Test to South Africa by 107 runs, the England team management has decided to make some major changes to the team. Head coach Chris Silverwood has hinted that either of veterans James Anderson or Stuart Broad might be dropped for the second Test against South Africa to make room for a spinner. At the same time, the visitors are also dealing with the flu bug that laid low 10 people at various times. Opener Dominic Sibley is the latest to join the long list of players to have been afflicted. However, spinner Jack Leach has now regained fitness and the coach said they are willing to take a hard call if need be. In the first Test, England went for an all pace attack. “In Jimmy (Anderson) and Stuart (Broad), we have a wealth of experience and we’d be really stupid not to take that into consideration every game,” Silverwood was quoted as saying by ICC. “But, equally, you want your youngsters to come through, and if we’re going to make room for a spinner, we’ve got to have a look at which seamers are right for this pitch. If there’s a big decision, we’re not afraid to make it.” The Newlands pitch is one of the few in the country that assists spin bowling, and Silverwood was well aware of that fact. “We’ve got to look at playing a spinner at Newlands,” he said. “We’ll go down there and do what we always do - look through the records, what features where, and who is going to have the most impact on that game. We’ll do our homework and go from there.” England Test captain Joe Root also echoed these sentiments ahead of the second Test. "It’s a fine balance. You’ve got to look at the surface and at an attack you feel is best going to counter that and best counter the opposition," he said. The second Test of the four-match series begins Friday, January 3.