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Fixed Odds: 2008 Test series - Eng v SA

England's morale hit by draw

Simon Cambers

July 14, 2008

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The return of Andrew Flintoff at Headingley will be a boost to England after the ultimate disappointment of the draw at Lord's © Getty Images

Having made 593 and then forced the follow on, England expected to go on and win the opening Test against South Africa but the tourists batted diligently on the final two days to salvage a draw and dent England's morale going into the second Test, which starts at Headingley on Friday.

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So while South Africa will be thinking they got away with it, England will be kicking themselves and it will be interesting to see how they bounce back when the two sides meet again in Leeds, especially after taking just three wickets in the best part of two days.

One thing that will be different will be the return of Andrew Flintoff to the England fold after injury. The all-rounder was named in the squad and will surely come straight back into the side, leaving the likes of Paul Collingwood most likely to miss out.

What difference he makes will of course become clear over the course of the Headingley Test but he will give them another bowling option, while his batting is always handy. If he is fully fit, his pace with the ball could be vital.

England have won six of the past eight Tests at Headingley, which has become a decent batting track in recent seasons. And for the record, South Africa won the most recent Test there, five years ago, when they triumphed by 191 runs.

I'll have a full preview of the match as we get closer to Friday, so please keep checking back for updates.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent

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