The second ODI of the series between South Africa and England became the first after the scheduled opener was postponed amid a breach of the Proteas bio-bubble.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
After the opening match was shifted to Monday, the series now looks set to get underway on Sunday in Paarl.
South Africa vs England | Sunday 6 December 2020 | Boland Park, Paarl | 10:00
To Win Match
South Africa 39/20
Tie 25/1
England 42/100
South Africa
With yet more disruptions to the Proteas preparations, the entire summer could be in doubt, which will be hard on the players who have had to deal with a year of extreme uncertainty.
The Proteas’ most reliable batsman, Faf du Plessis, will sit out the ODI series as well putting the hosts on even shakier ground.
To make matters worse, they will be without their star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada after he suffered a groin strain in the T20I series defeat to England.
Proteas team management need some of this group of players to put their hands up as questions about the all-round quality of the squad are raised.
South Africa will be playing the long game with one eye on the 2023 Cricket World Cup and ending their horror run in the 50-over tournament.
England
England could be forgiven for having one foot on the plane as a festive season at home beckons for those who haven’t signed up for Big Bash League duty.
They still start this series as heavy favourites but would do well not to underestimate the Proteas.
Mark Wood will have to supply the fast bowling firepower alongside Chris Woakes in the absence of Jofra Archer while the rest of the attack is made up of bowlers closer to medium pace than all-out speedsters.
Moeen Ali has enjoyed playing against South Africa in the past and could really do with a good series with his place across all formats being called into question.
England’s top-order strength is without question, but as world champions, their ODI form has been patchy, and this is a series they will want to dominate.
Verdict: England 42/100
With everything going on England are firm favourites.
Written by James Richardson.
