Proteas resume T20 World Cup preparations with England series

The Proteas will resume their build-up toward the T20 Cricket World Cup in October, with a three-match series against England. The South African Men’s outfit will try to avenge the efforts of the South African Women’s team in England, and walk away with a result.

The One-Day International (ODI) series between the two nations ended in a one-all draw. That will see both sides go-all out tonight to take an important advantage into the second meeting later this week.

The Bigger Picture

Getting that momentum will prove important with the T20 Cricket World Cup around the corner. Both sides come off inconsistent performances in recent series against India. The Proteas spent some time in the Sub-Continent in mid-June for a five-match T20 series. A series white-wash was on the cards for the Proteas, going two-nil up, but the talented young Indian side eventually leveled the series. That set-up a potentially thrilling conclusion to the series, but rain spoilt the party.

England has only played two T20 series so far this year. The first in January, where they suffered a three-two defeat in the West Indies. Their three-match series against India meanwhile ended in a two-one defeat on home soil.

That will mean that the English will have extra motivation to earn a proper victory in front of their home crowd.

New series 🏏
New challenge 🇿🇦

🗒️ Ball by ball https://t.co/KNz7vLXE1d
📺 SuperSport Grandstand 201
#ENGvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/yOJP3yMLZ6

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 27, 2022

Miller undeterred

Stand-in Proteas T20 International (T20I) captain David Miller said that England will pose a massive challenge, but they won’t take it laying down.

“The England team has come a long way in the last couple of years,” said Miller.

“They are a formidable team, Jos (Buttler) has played a lot under Eoin Morgan. He’s got great experience and has travelled all around the world. He plays IPL and has done extremely well on the international circuits.”

“So I do think that they are a serious team. But to counter that, we’ve got a serious team as well. I think it’s going to be a good series.”

Rilee Rossouw returns

This series will also see a welcome return to Rilee Rossouw. Rossouw, who last featured in South African colours in October 2018, will add a healthy amount of experience to the side.

“It’s great to have Rilee back. We began our professional careers around the same time back in the day,” said Miller.

“The team is right behind him, he has immense experience from playing in leagues around the world. He’s also spent a few years in England and it’s great to have that local knowledge for this series. He has a good head on his shoulders and he’s a match winner.”

David Miller’s pre-match press conference can be watched here.