Quinton de Kock’s first game as South Africa’s new ODI skipper saw the Proteas crush world champions England by seven wickets at Newlands. De Kock’s century, his 15th for South Africa, and his 173 run partnership with Temba Bavuma helped the visitors chase down 259 with nearly two and a half overs to spare.
Here are our talking points from the fixture in Cape Town.
Everything goes right for Quinton de Kock: QdK could perhaps not have asked for a better start to his reign as ODI captain. He won the toss, something Faf du Plessis was unable to do in seven tests against England and India, and his decision to bowl first was justified as England were restricted to 258/8. Even his field placements and bowling changes worked a treat as the visitors struggled to build any real sort of momentum.
The Proteas were perhaps a batter short and had a longish tail with Beuran Hendricks scheduled to come in at 8, but de Kock and Bavuma’s impressive knocks ensured that the lower order was not called into action.
JJ Smuts impressive on debut: It was Smuts’ bowling, rather than batting, that probably secured his place in the XI- the Proteas were desperate for a top six batsman that could bowl. He claimed the dangerous looking Jason Roy early in the innings, and finished with 1/43 in his 10 overs.
Smuts’ selection allowed South Africa the luxury of a second spinner on a wicket that was slow, and if he continues in this vein, he might well find himself on the plane to India in three years’ time.
England probably a spinner short on this wicket, and Denly/Root, serviceable as they may be as bowlers, simply not in the same league as Smuts
JJ/ Batsman who can bowl decent overs of spin (Markram?) could have a massive role to play in India in 2023. #sscricket #SAvENG #Proteas
— thecricketblog (@thecricblogger) February 4, 2020
Temba Bavuma flawless: He’s had his struggles with the red ball, but Temba Bavuma showcased his white ball credentials with a sparkling 98. It was virtually flawless, and he now averages 86.33 for the Proteas after 3 ODI innings.
Temba Bavuma now averages 86.33 in ODI cricket after 3 innings.
Rassie van der Dussen is on 78.00 after 19 innings.
That's two batsmen in the #Proteas top four…..#sscricket #SAvENG #ProteaFire
— thecricketblog (@thecricblogger) February 4, 2020
England miss extra spinner: South Africa had the luxury of asking Smuts to bowl his 10 on a sluggish surface that aided spin, but England didn’t. Joe Root and Joe Denly bowled 13 overs between them, but they are not in the same league as Smuts, and didn’t trouble the Proteas at all. England’s frontline spinner, Matt Parkinson, was also disappointing when compared to what Proteas first choice Tabraiz Shamsi managed on this wicket. Parkinson finished with figures of 0/48 in his 8.4, while Shamsi had 3/38 in his 10.
New look Proteas impress: South Africa had only four survivors from the side that played Australia in Manchester in the World Cup. It was also a more diverse team, with as many as seven players of colour in the XI. There will be tougher tests in the future for this unit, but this was a very impressive performance- they dominated England in all facets of the game.
All in all, pretty much a perfect day for #ProteaFire
New ODI captain Quinton de Kock wins the toss & the match against the world champions. Scores a 100.
Temba Bavuma nearly flawless
JJ Smuts excellent with the ball on debut
The celebrations for Sipamla's wicket!#SAvENG
— thecricketblog (@thecricblogger) February 4, 2020