Former captain Nasser Hussain has encouraged England to capitalise on the Proteas’ ‘vulnerable’ state during a key four-Test series, which will start at SuperSport Park in Centurion on 26 December.

The Proteas endured a poor World Cup campaign in the United Kingdom earlier this year and recently lost a Test series 3-0 to India.

Cricket South Africa’s director of cricket position still has not been filled – and chief executive officer Thabang Moroe has faced plenty of public criticism for revoking the media accreditation of outspoken journalists.

Also see: Moroe apologises ‘unreservedly’

‘It is always tight in South Africa. They are a proud sporting nation. But they are in a state of turmoil,’ Hussain was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

‘Off the field they are in turmoil as well. They are vulnerable. England have got an opportunity [to win the series].’

South Africa will be without fast bowlers Kyle Abbott and Duanne Olivier for the series against England. Abbott and Olivier’s burgeoning Proteas careers ended with the pursuit of careers in England. Spinner Simon Harmer, batsman Rilee Rossouw and several others did the same.

‘You could pick a Kolpak side that would probably be better than the South African Test team right now,’ added Hussain.

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