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Tuesday March 19, 2024

England, South Africa set for Champions Trophy prequel

By our correspondents
May 24, 2017

HEADINGLEY: Captain Eoin Morgan says England can topple South Africa and go on to win the ICC Champions Trophy if they focus on their “unbelievable” talent.

Morgan will lead England in the first of three Royal London One-day Internationals (ODIs) against the Proteas on Wednesday (today), his squad reinforced by the return of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler from successful spells in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Buttler leads the way ahead of Sam Billings and Jonny Bairstow in a three-way scrap for the wicket-keeper’s gloves and Morgan said England’s strength in depth makes them a genuine force to be reckoned with this summer.

“We’ve had dilemmas over the last couple of years but certainly having everybody fit and raring to go does give us a luxury in selection,” said Morgan, after England’s training session at Headingley.

“We can pick two or three changes from our 15. It’s a very good position to be in.

“I’ve said it for the last six months — the talent we have within the squad has been unbelievable.

“We’ve come close to fulfilling our potential throughout the couple of years we’ve been together but we’ve a lot of hard work to go in order to strive to be contenders for the 2019 World Cup.

“Playing South Africa now is great preparation [for the Champions Trophy]. They’re a very strong team and a hard team to beat. What we’ve done well is focus on ourselves and our strengths, particularly at home. That will be no difference into the lead-up to the Champions Trophy.

“There’s a huge benefit to having three match-winners come back into our team having watched them contribute so much in the IPL.

“Ben Stokes came back from the tournament as MVP — it’s great to see him performing against the very best in what is the biggest domestic tournament in the world.

“Jos is one of the best players in the world as well and Chris has been an important part of KKR’s road to the final stages — so it’s a huge boost to have them back in the side.”

Morgan offered his thoughts and prayers on behalf of England to the victims and the families of those killed in Monday’s Manchester bomb attack.

With Manchester set to host games in this summer’s ICC Champions Trophy and Women’s World Cup, the International Cricket Council has stressed that safety remains its highest priority and that it is working closely with the relevant authorities.

“On behalf of the England cricket team I’d like to offer our thoughts and prayers to everybody in Manchester affected by the tragic events of last night,” he said.

“I’d also like to give our support to those in and around things and those most affected and those who helped out last night and continue to help out today and throughout the future.

South Africa, who beat England 3-2 on home soil in a dramatic series in early 2016, are currently top the ODI rankings after a record-equalling sequence of 12 ODI wins in a row from September through to February.

In captain AB de Villiers and leg-spinner Imran Tahir they have the number one ODI batsman and bowler in their ranks — and a wealth of attacking talent to pick from, including a power-packed top order featuring Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis and an array of seam options.

Amla believes South Africa’s blend of youth and experience can be a determining factor in the series.

“This ODI series comes at a good time, it’s before the Champions Trophy and it will be great preparation for both teams,” said the 34-year-old.

“England are a good team, very well balanced, so it will be a good challenge to hone down our skills so we can start the tournament on a good note.

“We have a very good balance in the team. There are a few of us who have been around for a few years. A few exciting youngsters like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell. We have a very good mix, hopefully we can all put it together in this series and the Champions Trophy.”