Van Der Dussen set to make Test debut for South Africa against England

While England appeared to have several selection headaches, South African captain Faf du Plessis said only uncertainty in his team concerned composition of bowling attack, which would be decided on morning of match after a look at pitch. Du Plessis confirmed that Rassie van der Dussen would make his Test debut, batting at number five behind Zubayr Hamza at three and himself at four. He indicated that all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius would also win a first cap, batting at number seven.

'We will get measured on way we play'

South African captain enthused about value that former international stars Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis brought to his team - but warned that good preparation would mean "thing" if it was t backed up by performances. "We will get measured on way that we play," he said. "We've done right things this week as a team and w it's about going out re and putting in performances on field." 

READ | Sourav Ganguly Opens Up On 'unbelievable' Mindset During Lord's Debut Hundred In 1996

Du Plessis said influence of head coach Boucher and batting consultant Kallis had been like a breath of fresh air. "re's a real energy in squad, a real positive feel to what we've been doing, how we have been training in last week and information that's been spoken about." Du Plessis said that although he was w a highly-experienced international player, "wisdom" that had come into team set-up had helped him as well.

READ | Steve Smith Prepares Against Blackcaps' Short Ball Ploy, Says 'excited' To Play At MCG

"You almost ask, why have se guys t been here for last 10 years," he said. "It's so important to have guys like that in a dressing room. If you look around at international cricket, or teams have got that. You look at Australian team, you look at (Justin) Langer, (Ricky) Ponting, (Steve) Waugh."  Du Plessis paid tribute to opening bowler Vern Philander, who anunced on Monday that he would retire from international cricket after series. "Vern has been leader of attack for a long time in all conditions, especially in South Africa," said Du Plessis. "He's a huge weapon for us. I think this series is going to be a big one for him. He looks very, very motivated, full of energy. He wants to leave this team with a big performance."

READ | Jonty Rhodes Set To Feature In South Africa's World Cup Squad After 17 Years

READ | South Africa Seek Happy End To Bad Year Against England