South Africa come off a 2-1 series win against Australia Down Under and are eager to back that up against the Three Lions. While the Proteas suffered a heavy 276-run defeat in the third and final ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, the series had already been secured.

Over in England, it’s the tail end of the season, so the wickets will be slower and less lively – a stark contrast to what the team experienced in Australia, presenting its own unique challenges.

Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said the team is in a good space and close to full strength.

“We are looking forward to the next two weeks. We are still managing a few players in terms of workload and injury,” said Bavuma.

“Kagiso Rabada and Matthew Breetzke, for example, are still on workload management.

“As for Tuesday’s team, we have our lineup: Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton open, I’m at three, Tony de Zorzi comes in at four. Tristan Stubbs (is at five), Dewald Brevis at six, Wiaan Mulder at seven, Corbin at eight, Keshav Maharaj at nine, and Nandré Burger and Lungi Ngidi will fight it out for 10 and 11.”

Bavuma added that, despite the third ODI loss to Australia, the team remains confident and focused on improving their game.

“Winning away from home is never easy, and we won the series, which is important. Of course, there are areas we need to work on, and this series gives us another chance to improve.

“The younger players coming into the team will get opportunities to understand the roles they can play. Our focus is to keep winning as a team while building towards where we want to be. There are definitely positives to take, as well as lessons to learn from our mistakes.”

Codi Yusuf. Photo: Cricinfo

Meanwhile, the Lions seamer Codi Yusuf has been included in the Proteas squad for the three-match ODI series against England. Yusuf is a late call-up to the squad, providing cover for Kagiso Rabada, who is still nursing an ankle injury.  Bosch, Burger, Mulder, and Ngidi will make up the pace attack on Tuesday.

The series opener between England and the Proteas at the iconic Headingley is scheduled to start at 14:00 on Tuesday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs