SA v Eng 1st T20 Preview: England look for redemption

England beat South Africa at home in a Test series to create history and many expected the ODI squad to run away with a win as well. They did start off in that fashion winning the first couple of matches but the home side bounced back exceptionally to win the series 3-2. England will now be looking for redemption and to gain invaluable momentum ahead of the next month’s World T20 in India. The 1st T20 will be played at Cape Town on the 19th of February 2016.

South Africa

The past year saw a few months of ups and downs for the Proteas. Having had a few horrific tours overseas, AB de Villiers and his men found some respite with a resounding 3-2 win in the ODI series against England. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla have all made their opportunities count. However, what will concern Russell Domingo is the form of Farhaan Behardien and JP Duminy. The latter, in particular, has failed to make a mark in the last few ODIs. David Miller, who had been left out of the side for the ODI series is a strong contender for selection given his hard-hitting ability. Neil McKenzie has also been roped in as batting coach, a move that will only go on to solidify the batting. The big news, however, is the inclusion of Dale Steyn. The fiery right-arm pacer has proved his fitness and is expected to feature in the side. Aaron Phangiso too is expected to be in the starting XI in at least one of the two matches.

England

The morale is low in the England camp following a series defeat to South Africa, in a series they were favorites to clinch. The Brits can take solace in the fact that they didn’t do much wrong. Alex Hales has been the standout performer with the bat as he smashed a brilliant ton in the final ODI. His opening partner Jason Roy and Joe Root also have been in fine form in the ODI series. Hales was also the highest run-getter in the ODI series with 383 runs at an average of 76.

Trevor Bayliss & Co. however, have been sweating over the form of skipper Eoin Morgan. The England skipper has managed just 64 runs in the 5 matches played. However, T20 is a different ball game altogether and the England management will be hoping that Morgan will come good in the T20Is. The England bowling will revolve around Reece Topley. The young left-arm seamer concluded the ODI series with four wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker for England in the series. In a nutshell, the Brits will look to find some form before entering the World T20 in March.

Form Guide (T20Is)

South Africa WWLWW

England WWWWW

Stats that matter-

1. England is unbeaten in T20Is since May 2014. Their last loss came against Sri Lanka at the Oval in on the 20th of May 2014.

2. Faf du Plessis needs 175 runs to complete 1000 runs in T20Is while Morne Morkel requires 5 wickets to complete 50 wickets.

3. England skipper Eoin Morgan requires just 15 runs to complete 1300 runs in T20 cricket.

Probable XI:

South Africa:

AB de Villiers (C), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw, David Wiese, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel

England:

Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Butler (wk), Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, David Willey, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes