Series Preview: England v South Africa

The semi-final at last year’s ICC Women’s World Cup between these two sides was one of the games that will live long in the memory. With the two teams set to resume competition against each other, we assess the series and look at who will play a major part in the series.



Captains



Heather Knight and Dane van Niekerk are two of the best captains today. Not only do they lead by example they also inspire their teammates to put in match-winning performances.



Both are attacking with the bat, it is with the ball that van Niekerk edges out her opposite number, figures of 4 for 0 against West Indies wasn’t even enough to win player of the match during that game.



Batters



It will be the top order of both sides that have the potential to win games for their sides. England have Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield and Danni Wyatt to fire them to competitive totals.



South Africa have the contrasting players in Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee who have struck up a reliable opening partnership. At only 19, Wolvaardt has impressed since she burst on the international scene.



Wolvaardt is known to play more technically, Lee is a player who uses power to bludgeon attacks. They complement each other and are crucial to South Africa’s chances.



It will remain to be seen who opens the batting for England with the return of Winfield to the squad. England also have a remarkable middle-order that must be the envy of most teams around the world.



Nat Sciver, Heather Knight and Sarah Taylor are all capable of playing big innings and if one or two of them get in, there is every chance that some big scores are capable.



Bowlers



In Ayabonga Khaka, Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp, South Africa have the side to cause England problems early on. Khaka is in good form and both Ismail and Kapp impressed in English conditions last year.



Backed up with leg-spin in van Niekerk and Sune Luus on their day South Africa can bowl any side out cheaply.



England have a well-known bowling attack. With Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole opening the bowling it is essential that South Africa attack from the start.



Looking at home at international level Sophie Ecclestone is rarely overawed by any situation she is asked to bowl in. Her place in the side has come at the expense of Alex Hartley her Lancashire teammate.



Jenny Gunn with her slower variations and Sciver with her medium pace will bowl their fair share of overs.



Venues



Worcester is one of the more picturesque grounds on the English circuit with its views over the River Severn of Worcester Cathedral. It is a venue that these two sides have met at before, South Africa prevailed on that occasion.



Hove is the home ground of three of the England side in Taylor, Wyatt and Georgia Elwiss, there will be a good atmosphere on the South Coast under the lights.



Canterbury hosted the last women’s test match played in England. A stronghold of women’s cricket in England expect a knowledgeable crowd and all the makings for a great finale.