Proteas lose De Zorzi but in-form Breetzke back

THE Proteas have another triumph in their sights when they return to Lord’s today for the second ODI against England, but will have to do so without Tony de Zorzi after the top-order batter was ruled out of the remainder of the series due a hamstring strain.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

The glorious memories of the World Test Championship final of just under two months ago will still be fresh in the minds - although the Proteas will now be back in the away dressing room after enjoying the comforts of the home change room against Australia.

While an ODI series may pale in comparison to playing for the ICC’s golden Test mace, the Proteas’ white-ball record in England leaves a lot to be desired, and they now have an opportunity to win just their second series in the UK after thumping their hosts in the opener in Leeds on Tuesday.

Keshav Maharaj was once again the chief-destroyer with the ball, underlying his status as the premier 50-overs bowler in world cricket, with another magical spell of 4/33.

The left-arm spinner is certainly looking to continue this form at Lord’s as the Proteas seek to close out their second successive ODI series on foreign soil under coach Shukri Conrad.

“I think the plans have been really good, but I think the way in which we execute our plans has been that much more encouraging.