After much speculation and even a few government debates, the Proteas are finally set to host international cricket again with the visit of England.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The tourists have brought a strong team despite a number of notable absences and will start the series as heavy favourites.
South Africa vs England | Friday 27 November 2020 | Newlands, Cape Town | 18:00
To Win Match
South Africa 5/4
Tie 25/1
England 67/100
South Africa
The Proteas have opted to pick a relatively settled group of players which puts greater pressure on them to perform especially after a string of disappointing seasons.
Two Proteas have tested positive for the coronavirus in the build-up to the series, and it is unclear exactly who they are meaning predicting the starting XI requires a crystal ball.
Skipper Quinton de Kock is the key to the Proteas performing well as he is the best man to give his team a flying start. De Kock is set to resume his partnership with Temba Bavuma which showed great promise last season.
Senior batsmen Faf du Plessis and David Miller need to stand up and be counted or could find themselves squeezed out by the talents coming through.
The Proteas pace attack has many salivating after Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje lit up the IPL in the UAE recently. The duo will need to bring that form to the international stage against a stacked English batting line-up.
England
With some big names rested, England will turn to consistent T20 performer Dawid Malan for top-order stability with ample options to provide an explosive partner for the former Bellville Cricket Club member.
How England use Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes could very well determine the outcome of the series for the tourists.
The player to watch among their ranks could be young Sam Curran, who has shown himself to be a clutch player in the last few months with displays for England and the Chennai Super Kings. The allrounder has the ability to decisively impact the game with the bat or ball.
Skipper Eoin Morgan is still at the top of his game with bat in hand as a skipper, but in the international arena, pressure is never far away.
Without Jofra Archer England are faced with the choice of either bolstering their bowling with a specialist seamer or padding the lower order with an extra allrounder.
Verdict: England 67/100
England have enjoyed smoother preparation and are well placed to start the tour with a win.
Written by James Richardson.
