Zondo: We are better prepared for England Lions
South Africa A batsman Khaya Zondo believes they are much better prepared for their four-day assignment against the England Lions compared to their one-day series earlier this month.
The tourists were beaten 2-0 by the hosts in their three-match sequence at the start of June – the third game being washed out – and they are now ready to play them in a one-off match that will end the tour.
Preparations have not all gone according to plan however. They were beaten by Sussex inside three days in their second warm-up match over the weekend, following their victory over Hampshire in their first warm-up game a few days earlier.
ALSO READ: Conrad disappointed with how South Africa A beaten
Before the one-day series, they saw both warm-up matches washed out and Zondo, who was captain for that initial part of the tour, believes this time around they are in a much better position.
“We’re better prepared, we have been able to finish both our county games, and everyone has got a chance to bat and bowl,” he said.
“In the one-day stuff, bowlers didn’t even get to bowl a ball in a game before the Lions games. So we are in better shape now.”
On Friday, the South Africans lost 14 wickets in one day at Arundel to go down by a heavy innings and 50 runs against Sussex.
They were first bowled out for 185 and then 223 in their follow-on innings, but despite the loss, Zondo revealed the players were in good spirits.
“The dressing room isn’t down at all,” he explained. “The two games versus the counties have been good preparation in my opinion. The players will be wiser on how to go about their business.”
The match against the Lions starts on Wednesday, June 21, and runs through until Saturday, June 24, at The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury.
Zondo does not feel that radical changes are needed for them to improve, adding; “I think we just have to execute our plans with ball and bat. I don’t think there must be a drastic change.”
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.