ICC Champions Trophy 2013 semi-finals: 5 things to look out for when South Africa meet England

2. The English pace battery

The face-off between James Anderson and Dale Steyn might help us deconstruct the big debate about who the best bowler in international cricket is. Anderson has been terrific in this competition for his side performing the role up front with his swing, getting early wickets as well as bowling in the death with a relatively good economy rate.

He has got shaky support from Stuart Broad but Tim Bresnan has lived up to the expectations. Anderson has bagged 8 wickets in 3 games and that is a testament to the match-winning role he has in this team.

James Anderson (C) celebrates taking the wicket of Martin Guptill during the ICC Champions Trophy Group A match between England and New Zealand at the SWALEC Stadium on June 16, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales. (Getty Images)

1. English batting

This has been the most consistent fixture in the English side in the past few months. The English top four is traditional and reserved in its approach but they ensure that they put up a total. Alastair Cook lead from the front in their last crucial game, Jonathan Trott has been among the runs and Ian Bell’s new avatar as opener has rejuvenated his flagging career.

They have added that additional muscle to their batting line up with Ravi Bopara’s cameos at the end of the innings. Eoin Morgan and Jos Butler form an explosive lower order. They will face their biggest test of the competition in the semi-finals against the South African bowling line-up.