Jos Buttler's England got a reality check at Kennington Oval, London as they surrendered to Jasprit Bumrah's sensational opening spell and registered their lowest score in the format against India. However, not all England batters had a torrid time at the crease. Approximately 150 miles away, England Lions smashed South Africa's best to chase down the target of 319 with 12.5 overs to spare.
The dominating opening partnership
In the One-day warm-up game, South African bowlers were smashed by English batters in the run chase. 20-year-old Will Smeed, who has made ripples in T20 cricket, smashed 90 runs off just 56 deliveries to get the hosts off to a terrific start. On the other hand, another contender for opener spot, Tom Banton scored 57 runs from 46 deliveries. The two shared a 113-run opening partnership in 13.4 overs.
While South Africa new-ball bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje were taken to the cleaners by the openers, it was visitors’ stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj who got the breakthrough. After Banton's wicket, Smeed continued to attack.
Smeed makes a statement
Maharaj introduced Dwaine Pretorius into the attack and got the wicket of Sam Hain to give South Africa some hope. But, Smeed's 90-run knock made it tough for them to make a comeback. The youngster got bowled by Andile Phehlukwayo in the 22nd over when the score was 190/3. His 56-ball 90 included seven fours and six sixes.
Duckett bangs on selectors doors
In the middle overs Ben Duckett and Stephen Eskinazi did not let the run rate fall. Experienced campaigner Duckett and Eskinazi shared a 127-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Duckett scored 85 off 67 deliveries including 10 fours and two sixes. Phehlukwayo got his wicket in the 37th over but it was only a consolation as they needed two more runs to win the game.
Another South Africa-born shines for England
On the other end, Eskinazi remained unbeaten for 52 off 36 deliveries including four fours and one six. The South Africa-born batter Eskinazi finished the game and got to his half-century. England Lions captain Tom Abell faced just one delivery as the hosts bagged a huge win by six wickets.
Some positives for Proteas
Earlier, Maharaj won the toss and elected to bat first. Opener Janneman Malan scored 103 whereas David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen scored quickfire half-centuries to help South Africa post 318/9 on the board. For Lions, David Payne bagged four wickets and bowled economically.
