England tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series despite an internal conflict in the South African cricket board and rising coronavirus cases.
Cricwizz analyses some key players who can swing the fortunes for their side in the series:
1) Jos Buttler
The explosive right-hander is fresh off a successful IPL where he smashed 328 runs for Rajasthan Royals at a strike rate of 144. He can hit the ball in any direction on the ground. He is very quick with his hands and has an uncanny ability to find gaps in the field. He is an important cog in the wheel for England and can win matches single-handedly. He will also have to wear the gloves for his side in addition to being the vice-captain.
2) Quinton De Kock
The South African skipper is in the middle of a purple patch after hitting 503 runs for the IPL champions, Mumbai Indians. He is a humongous talent often compared to Australian legend Adam Gilchrist. He is known for his effective counter-attacking at the top. He can also read the game from behind the wickets by donning the gloves.
3) Ben Stokes
The world's best all-rounder at the moment is an aggressive cricketer with infectious energy. Stokes is an attacking southpaw and can bowl at high speeds with the ball to take crucial breakthroughs for his side. He is known for his consistency as much as his impressive performances on the field. Since he is not going to play the three-match ODI series, he would give his all for the T20's.
4) Kagiso Rabada
He is a tearaway pacer who can trouble the batsmen with his fiery speed and intimidating bounce. He has rapidly risen through the ranks with his conventional swing bowling and ability to move the ball by hitting the deck hard with his natural height. De Kock would depend on him to unsettle England in the death overs with his toe-crushers. He took 30 wickets in the IPL this year and was adjudged as the purple cap holder.
5) Jofra Archer
He is a crafty fast bowler blessed with genuine pace. Archer has a strong yorker and an effective heavy ball. He will play a critical role for his side in the slog overs. He can also strike big hits towards the end of the innings with his incredible ball-striking as seen in the IPL and is also an excellent fielder. He scalped 20 wickets in this year's IPL at an economy rate of just 6.55.
All the above-mentioned players will have their task cut out as their side's chances of victory hinges on their form.
Featured Image Credits - ICC
