LEEDS: After a straightforward series win over Ireland, England continue their build-up to the Champions Trophy from Wednesday with three One-day Internationals against South Africa, with the first game at Headingley a day/night fixture.
Much has been made of England’s evolution since their disastrous performance in the 2015 World Cup, and their progress will be put to the test against the touring South Africans.
In home conditions, England have been declared as the favourites for the Champions Trophy, with starts on June 1, but three games against A.B. de Villiers’ side will provide a clear insight into their chances of securing a maiden 50-overs global title.
With a long list of explosive and dynamic batters at their disposal, it is not difficult to see why big things are expected of England in one-day cricket this summer.
Openers Alex Hales and Jason Roy have developed a formidable opening partnership, although Roy in particular will hope to gain some time in the middle against the Proteas after a largely disappointing Indian Premier League outing.
Up to two years ago, England’s method to post competitive scores was a traditional one. Now, under the guidance of Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace, England have completely shifted their mentality, scoring eight of their top 10 highest ODI scores since the last World Cup as a result.
Key to this transformation has been middle-order enforcers Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan, although the captain’s contributions with the bat have often been overshadowed by his influence on the dressing room.
Stokes and Buttler in particular, fresh from productive stints at the IPL, can have a significant say on the outcome of the South Africa series and the subsequent Champions Trophy.
But if the England line-up can be considered formidable, so must the Proteas’, with three of the top 10 batsmen in the ODI rankings found within de Villiers’ dressing room.