SA unfazed by playing world champion England

South Africa is seeking to rebuild after a disastrous World Cup in England last year in which the host claimed the trophy in thrilling fashion with victory over New Zealand in the final. This will be England’s first match since the decider at Lord’s in July. “It is just like playing any other team,” De Kock told reporters on Monday. “Just because you have a World Cup doesn’t change anything. It is still the normal England team we will play against.

“I remember last time they came here (in 2016) we did pretty well and won the series. So it doesn’t really matter if they are World Cup winners or not. It is the same as if we are playing Australia, India, Bangladesh, or whoever.”

South Africa has struggled in both the ODI and Test formats in the last 12 months.