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Second ODI: South Africa vs England Preview

South Africa vs England Preview

The Quinton De Kock era got off to a great start in the first ODI against England at Newlands with the new skipper blasting a brilliant hundred to power the Proteas to victory.

England weren’t at their best in the series opener but in a short series will have little time to turn things around.

Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports 

Second ODI | Friday 7 February 2020 | Kingsmead, Durban | 13:00


To Win
South Africa
Tie
England


South Africa
De Kock was not the only star in the Proteas record chase at Newlands with the form of Temba Bavuma providing the top order with a vital boost. Bavuma fell narrowly short of what would have been a deserved hundred and made a real statement.

De Kock showed boldness in electing to bowl first against conventional wisdom with his decision backed up by a strong performance all-round.

Another big boost to the Proteas was the bowling of Tabraiz Shamsi, who helped squeeze England through the middle overs as well as picking up big wickets.

Opener Reeza Hendricks was the only Proteas batsman to fail at Newlands and hasn’t nailed down a spot in the XI with Janneman Malan knocking on the door.

The South Africa bowling attack coped well with the absence of strike bowler Kagiso Rabada but there might be a little bit of concern over how they let England off the hook after exposing the tail quite early.

England
Poor shot selection was the undoing of the opening pair of Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy who came into the opening match in good form after warm-up hundreds. England need both to make better choices if they are to regain their swagger as a team.

Joe Denly once again proved a thorn in the Proteas side and his ability against spin should keep him in the England XI for the foreseeable future.

England struggled on a pretty good, if slightly slow, surface at Newlands and could find the Kingsmead pitch even more challenging.

Neither Adil Rashid nor Moeen Ali cracked the nod for the first ODI but the result at Newlands should make it clear that their bowling could significantly enhance the tourists chances of doing well in Durban.

Verdict: South Africa
The Proteas should be able to wrap the series up at Kingsmead.


Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets 

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