ODI TEAM BACK AT IT

ready enjoying the conditions in which they’ll soon be playing international cricket – and that’s something we can expect to see from the likes of Stokes and Archer in spring’s IPL, too.

Head coach Mott has time to tinker with his squad ahead of the World Cup, and he is likely to do just that.

World Cup Dream

It’ll be little surprise to see a bit of movement in the squad between each ODI, enough to try combinations and options without altering the overarching game plan, across the next week.

The thing is, like every World Cup cycle, it doesn’t matter how many times you lose in the build-up if you win the prize event, so the pressure is off England – and that’s the way they will like it.

The Test team has shown how an enjoyable atmosphere can generate great cricket, and the limited overs side will

Djokovic: 35 be keen to continue in that vein.

Of the 66 matches the two sides have played against each other, South Africa have won 29 and England have won 31.

England have won nine ODI games in South Africa while South Africa have beaten the tourists 17 times at home.

England haven’t won a one-day series in South Africa since 2009-10, when they triumphed 2-1 in a five-match series, but the last time England toured the country the two sides drew.

England may have players performing well in South African domestic leagues and will be looking to build on their limited overs World Cup success last year, but the home side are a different beast on the global stage, and they shouldn’t be underestimated by a confident England.