ENGLAND could pair Mark Wood and Jofra Archer as a high-speed double act in the Fourth Test.
Wood and Archer, the countrys two fastest bowlers, have not played together since helping propel England to World Cup glory in July.
But captain Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood will discuss unleashing the demolition duo in the series-decider which starts in Johannesburg on Friday.
An all-out speed trap would certainly unsettle the Proteas batsmen on the fastest pitch in the country.
The famous Wanderers ground known as the Bullring because the atmosphere can become hostile has a lightning-quick strip. And the thin air at an altitude of around 5,500 feet makes the ball fly faster and farther.
Playing his first red-ball match since February 2019, Wood, 30, caused South Africa big problems in the innings and 53-run victory in the Third Test that secured a 2-1 lead.
He is certain to play at the Wanderers unless he suffers a reaction to the side and knee injuries that kept him out for so long.
Archer, 24, has missed the previous two Tests because of a recurring elbow injury.
Although there are long-term concerns excessive bowling can cause the problem to flare up, he has been bowling at a decent pace in practice.
When asked whether a Wood-Archer double act would be a mouthwatering idea, Silverwood admitted: Yes, it would but well take a look at the wicket and make a decision then.
Jofra has felt good over the last few days and will bowl a couple more times before the Test. If hes fit to play, that gives us a great headache, doesnt it?
Ive got to find a way that potentially he comes back in although we have Chris Woakes available, too.
We have plenty of options, which is superb. If Archer is brought into the starting XI, England would have to leave out one of the Port Elizabeth heroes.
Dom Bess would be the most likely victim despite his maiden five-wicket haul because the surface here does not normally offer much help to spinners.
Another option might be all-rounder Sam Curran, but England like his run-scoring potential down the order.
Pace ace Kagiso Rabada admits he has let South Africa down by copping a ban for the Fourth Test.
Rabadas celebration after dismissing Root earned a demerit point and took him over the limit,
triggering an automatic suspension.
He said: Whether it was the right thing to ban me or the wrong thing, the reality is that I am banned. Obviously, it hurts. It cant keep happening because Im letting the team down.
Faf du Plessis has been sacked as South Africas one-day captain just 24 hours after insisting he wanted to stay in the job.
Quinton de Kock will take charge of the ODIs against England next month.
