So, I am thoroughly looking forward to this ridiculously short test-series which is soon to be completely ignored by everyone because of the Olympics ("It's gonna be a bit sh*t", TM The Pub Landlord) but what does anyone else think, narrow victory to England, or will the Saffers get over the loss of Boucher and take the no. 1 spot?

Got to be England all the way.Firing on all cylinders at the moment.

I have to agree with this, they have a very well balanced team at the moment and anyone is capable of picking up the slack if things go a bit pear-shaped.

Also agree on the pathetically short series. Between arguably the 2 best test teams in the world and only 3 tests? I can't believe they sacrificed one or two tests for the sake of that nothing ODI series against the Aussies (even though it was a pleasure to stuff them).

I'm not sure about England all the way, they should win but I think the Saffers bowling attack will be excellent in english conditions. Still, roll on Thursday, it gladdens the soul to have TMS back on during the day.

Come on Safas. As an Aussie it pains me to see England as no 1. Agree these are the 2 best teams in the world and ashame its not 5 tests.

Australia were woeful in the recent ODIs. But Im glad the English weather stopped England from going to no 1 in the 50 over game.

Sour grapes by me? Absolutely ;-)

I have no idea who'll win, but I for one won't be ignoring it. In fact, I'll probably download the Test Match Special commentary and listen to it even though I'll already know what happened that day!

It has the potential to be an utterly absorbing series. It's very nicely balanced. Example: SA have good batting but a lot of left handers for Swann to aim at.

Gonna be some confused cricketers out there. Half the English side are Safas

Well, 3 actually and one of them grew up in the UK.

Strauss, Trott, Pietersen, Prior. That makes four.

Daughter just texted her dad to boast that she is at the Oval - he is green with envy (and is a SA born Brit).

Prior's half and half and grew up in the UK

Good to see era of Oz domination ended and we now have other teams putting their hand up.

It is live now on

testmatchsofa.com

A little more edgy than test match special but no restrictions on where you can listen

Also available on iphones etc using tunein app

thx for this. just tuned in. seems odd compared to TMS.

They were pretty underground but they have calmed down since they became part of http://www.thecricketer.com magazine.

I've not listened to them (test match sofa), it just seems somehow strange to listen to cricket via the radio/internet but not be listening to TMS.

Home series seem fine to listen over the internet to TMS, I guess the odd overseas tour is rights restricted but thats what we have VPNs for.

Cracking stuff from the more english than John Bull Trott and that nice young man Cook.

I started listening because of lack of TMS but now I have switched over to them completely , there is just a little more passion in the commentary.

Still love TMS but I think spending the whole ashes series listening to the sofa converted me

You mean when SA go 0-1 up in the first over getting the England Captain out for a duck?

Pretty much, considering they're now at 178 for 2

Must have hit the wrong emoticon!