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Kagiso Rabada in action at a T20 international against Australia in Newlands on February 26, 2020 (Photo by Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images)
the Proteas They are ready to play their first international game in eight months when they face England, the reigning World Cup champions.
The return of international cricket to South Africa consists of three T20s and three ODIs in Newlands and Boland Park.
A 24-man team is currently in a strict biobubble in Cape Town ahead of the first T20 in Newlands on Friday (6pm SA).
READ | 5 stars from England that could cause problems for Proteas in SA
The Proteas have played 18 T20s against England to date, winning 9 and losing 8 to no avail.
Sport24 Check out five Proteas stars England can be wary of heading into the opening T20:
Kagiso rabada
Rabada has proven time and time again why he is one of the best fast bowlers this country has produced.
His latest exploits came in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was the leader in land grabbers, winning the purple cap by claiming 30 wickets in 17 matches.
Rabada has only played 24 T20s since his debut in 2014, as his craft was more focused on the game’s longer formats: tryout and one-day cricket.
There is no denying that Rabada is itching to make his first green and gold appearance since February.
Rabada hopes to replicate his IPL form and all eyes will be on the 25-year-old who will wreak havoc in England’s higher order.
Rassie van der Dussen
Van der Dussen has made 40 appearances for the Proteas and his calm and deft bat display make him a definite threat to England’s bowling attack.
Despite not having been in much action since the coronavirus pandemic, Van der Dussen is valuable in the higher order of Proteas, averaging a decent 31.23 in 15 T20 appearances.
Van der Dussen has had some cricket under his belt thanks to his start in the 4-day Franchise Series. The 31-year-old didn’t make much of an impact with the willow, as the Lions have yet to secure a win in their first two games.
The Proteas hitter has worked hard on his game during the lockout period and is set to produce some standout performances against England.
Janneman Malan
Despite playing only 2 S20s, Malan’s attack approach is exactly what the Proteas need to tame the fearsome Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
Earlier this year, Malan broke an undefeated 124 * in just his second ODI against Australia. It was the beginning of Malan’s journey to cement his place alongside Proteas patron Quinton de Kock.
And with Aiden Markram not included in the limited overs series, Malan is ready to make first place his own against England.
However, the 25-year-old will also have ODI starter Reeza Hendricks in the mix.
Malan, who played in the first two 4-day franchise rounds, will feel comfortable taking on the world champions on his own grounds: Newlands and Boland Park.
Anrich Nortje
Since bursting onto the international scene in 2019, Nortje has been on a fast-paced journey, and his performances at the IPL left cricket fans speechless.
Playing alongside Rabada for the Delhi Capitals, Nortje claimed 22 wickets in 16 games in his debut IPL season.
The 30-year-old bowled at an incredible pace throughout the tournament, consistently ticking over 150 km / h and even throwing the fastest ball in tournament history at 156 km / h.
Nortje’s new partnership with Rabada will add more firepower to the Proteas’ strong bowling arsenal against players like Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.
Quinton de Kock
Earlier this month, De Kock starred in the IPL when the Mumbai Indians’ opener helped his team to their fifth record title.
De Kock was his team’s top run scorer, and the best South African, in this season’s tournament, scoring 503 he runs in his 16 games, which included four half centuries.
Proteas’ pattern has been consistent across the medium throughout the 2019/20 season as they look to maintain their form in Cape Town.
De Kock has a lot on his shoulders with everything that surrounds Cricket South Africa. His bat, glove and captaincy armband performances are vital to what will be a busy summer for the Proteas.
All images: AFP / Gallo Images
