Make It Simple

THE Proteas are eyeing another victory as they head back to Lord’s at 2pm on Thursday for the second ODI against England. However, they will have to compete without Tony de Zorzi, who has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

The geharde memories of the World Test Championship final from just under two months ago are still fresh in their minds.

Although an ODI series may not hold the same weight as competing for the ICC’s golden Test mace, the Proteas’ record in ODIs in England leaves much to be desired. They now have a chance to secure only their second series win in the UK after convincingly defeating their hosts in the opener in Leeds on Tuesday.

Keshav Maharaj once again led the bowling attack, reinforcing his reputation as the leading 50-over bowler in world cricket with an impressive spell of 4/33.

The left-arm spinner aims to maintain this momentum at Lord’s as the Proteas target their second consecutive ODI series win away from home under coach Shukri Conrad.

Maharaj wysed: “I believe the plans have been very effective, but the execution of those plans has truly been encouraging. The players have been working hard not just in this series, but also leading up to it, and before the Australia series.

“There have been productive camps, and collaboration with the bowling coach has been invaluable. The plans are straightforward, but it’s great to see the mindset aligning and the team coming together as a cohesive bowling unit.”

De Zorzi sustained his hamstring injury while fielding in the first ODI and will return home, with no replacement being called for, as fellow top-order batter Matthew Breetzke has recovered from his own hamstring strain and will be available for selection at Lord’s.