KEEP IT SIMPLE

THE Proteas have another triumph in their sights when they return to Lord’s from 2pm on Thursday 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.

The geharde memories of the World Test Championship final of just under two months ago will still be fresh in the minds.

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 klapping 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-over bowler in world cricket, with another jitz spell of 4/33. 

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

Maharaj wysed: “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. The guys have been putting in a lot of work not just in the series now, prior to the series, but obviously prior to Australia.

“There’s been some good camps that have been implemented and working with the bowling coach and things like that. It’s simple plans, but it’s nice to see that the mindset changes towards coming together as a bowling unit.”

De Zorzi injured his hamstring while fielding in the first ODI and will return home with no replacement called for due to fellow top-order batter Matthew Breetzke having recovered from his hamstring strain and will be available for selection at Lord’s.