The double world champions will face the Proteas in three matches, with the first two games being played in Bloemfontein, while the third and final game will take place in Kimberley next week.

The series will mark the long-awaited return of the fiery England fast bowler, Jofra Archer, who has been of international cricket for the past 18-months and in this time, he missed out on two ICC T20 World Cups, will last years event leading to England being crowned the champions in Australia.

By his own admission, the Barbados-born seamer said it was a frustrating time, but he is glad to be playing again. Archer made his return during the opening match of the ongoing SA20, where he featured in a handful of games for MI Cape Town.

Archer told OFM Sport that playing in the SA20 has certainly helped in acclimatising and preparing for the series against South Africa.

"The sun hasn't affected me, but I haven't really heard anyone else in the group complain about it.

"But, it's also really nice to play in a country where you are going to have a series.

"It gives you a feel of the places like Cape Town or wherever you will be travelling to play in South Africa.

"It's also nice to get in the same time zone and be familiar with the customs of the country where you are going to see me play."

Join OFM in backing the Free State Cricket Union by getting your tickets for the two matches between South Africa and England that will be played at the Mangaung Oval on Friday and Sunday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek