The Proteas succumbed to defeat in their World Cup 2019 opening encounter against hosts England at the Oval. WADE PRETORIUS rates the South African players.
WATCH: Stokes puts his hand up for catch of #CWC19
Quinton de Kock – 7
More than tidy behind the stumps, De Kock was the glue of the early part of the innings as he watched Hashim Amla depart injured before the wickets of Aiden Markram and Faf du Plessis put his wicket as the No 1 prize. Reprieved when his bails didn’t dislodge after edging a Moeen Ali ball onto hit his off-stump, he went on to score 68 before holing out in the deep off Liam Plunkett. A curious shot in the context of the game – a leg-side flick to the longest part of the ground – left SA in heaps of trouble.
Hashim Amla – 5
Showed signs of age in the field and was forced off injured for five after being rattled by an Archer bouncer. He returned to bat on but the ship had sailed by that point.
Aiden Markram – 3
A good catch diving forward to dismiss Eoin Morgan and a contributed with a decent three over trot (0-16) but failed with the bat. Dismissed in the manner we’ve seen more than a few times now. First a lovely stroke through the covers and then nicking one behind as he departed for just 11.
Faf du Plessis – 3
Shuffled his bowlers well – even if he kept Imran Tahir on for one too many overs in the opening 10 – but failed with his primary job. Beaten for pace and bounce, he hooked Archer to fine leg for just five leaving his side in trouble at 44-2. The wicket helped stifle the Proteas run chase with the English tail on the up.
Rassie van der Dussen – 7
Dropped by Buttler on 6, he gratefully took his second life. Van Der Dussen started slowly before accelerating towards his half century. And then, like many before him, threw his wicket away.
JP Duminy – 3
Showed a complete lack of match awareness as he holed out to Ali as the Proteas wobbled mid-way through their knock. Bowled just two overs and has plenty to prove going forward.
Dwaine Pretorius – 4
Went wicketless in his seven overs at a run a ball. And presumably called for the second as he was run out after some good work by Ben Stokes in the outfield. The Proteas technical team will think long and hard about his place in the team for the clash against Bangladesh.
Andile Phehlukwayo – 7
SA’s most economical bowler, Phehlukwayo was tidy with ball in hand as he showcased his full array of skills. Offered some resistance with the bat before a blinder of a catch by Stokes in the outfield.
Kagiso Rabada – 5
Middle of the road performance from the leader of the Proteas attack. Started with 0-25 in four overs as England fought back from the early setback. Returned to the attack to get the big wicket of Joe Root and then picked up Chris Woakes. Paid the price of being a bit one dimensional in his final two overs as he went for 22 as the target moved past 300.
Lungi Ngidi – 6
Tough to judge Ngidi, of whom much was expected, on today’s mixed bag he offered up. Opened the bowling but presented a loose ball in nearly every over – all of which were dispatched by England’s power hitters. Rebounded late on with some wickets to end with (flattering) figures of 3-66.
Imran Tahir – 8
Opened the bowling (!) with great effect as he got rid of Jonny Bairstow for a golden duck. Returned to get rid of Morgan before ending with 2-61. You get the feeling that Tahir will have a massive role to play in SA’s future at this World Cup.
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