It will be the Proteas first playing against the English since losing to them in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at the Hagley Oval in New Zealand.

The Proteas' build-up to the series was less than ideal with defeats to England A in a T20 and a One-Day match last week.

Proteas captain Suné Luus, told OFM Sport that they are motivated for Monday’s game.

“It puts things in perspective and we had a team meeting about it. We said that we want to get the win on the board.

“During the semi-final we had a lot of opportunities that we didn't take. I feel like that game could have gone a whole other way.

“Our world cup journey could have been a lot different. With that mindset we are going into the match against England knowing that we have to take every opportunity so that we can finish on top.”

Luus added that while the sudden and shock retirement of Lizelle Lee was no doubt a major blow, it’s an opportunity for some of the players to cement their spot in the squad.

“It's very exciting for us to have a young top-four and squad at the moment. We are all quite excited about it and to see what the girls can bring to the table.

“It's a big opportunity for some of the players to put up their hands to get a spot in the top-four and batting order as well.

“The conversations stay very simple. As a batter, your job is to score runs, so that doesn't change, no matter who the opponent is.”

Play between England and South Africa in the Day-Night ODI is set to get underway on Monday afternoon at 15:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport