ENG vs SA | 1st T20I | Preview, Key Players, CREX XI

After the ODI series between England and South Africa ended as a stalemate, the action will shift to the T20I leg of the tour with the first fixture of the three-match series scheduled at County Ground, Bristol on July 27.


Both the sides featured in a T20I series versus India most recently. England ended up on the losing side, with India sealing the series win 2-1. While the visiting South African team shared the honours with India, as the series ended in a stalemate. 


After an appalling show with the bat against a hostile Indian bowling unit, England will look to improve on that front. Jonny Bairstow's return to the T20I contingent could make their case stronger in this regard. 


Adil Rashid, who also makes a comeback to the T20 side, could end England's woes when it comes to spin bowling. While Buttler went in with Moeen Ali, Matt Parkinson and Liam Livingstone as the spin options, the trio did not trouble the Indian batters remotely.



South Africa, who will be without their regular skipper Temba Bavuma, have developed pretty well as a white-ball side since the last T20 World Cup.



David Miller has been awarded the captaincy role for the series in the absence of Bavuma. Another notable mention is Rilee Rossouw, who makes his return in the national colours after a six-year hiatus.

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Match Details 


  • Venue: County Ground, Bristol

  • Date & Time: July 27 at 11 PM IST 

  • Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network

Pitch Report


The pitch at County Ground, Bristol will likely be a balanced surface with something on offer for both batters and bowlers. Generally, the pacers tend to enjoy movement early on but batters dominate in most parts of the match.

Key Players

  • Jonny Bairstow has been going through a purple patch. The batter has tasted significant success in the red-ball cricket recently, and he could be a force in the limited overs format as well.

  • Liam Livingstone remains a key figure in England's middle-order. While the all-rounder was doing wonders in the IPL 2022, he has not been able to replicate his form for the national team. Still, the swashbuckler is the game-changer England needs, be it with the bat or ball.

  • David Miller, the Proteas' stand-in captain, is in the form of his life. The southpaw will look to continue his dominating run with the bat, this time as a captain.

  • Quinton de Kock had a tremendous outing in the last ODI with the bat. Unfortunately for de Kock, the rain played spoilsport, he was batting on 92*.

CREX XI


Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock

Batters: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, 

All-Rounders: Liam Livingstone, Dwaine Pretorius

Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Kagiso Rabada


Captain: Jos Buttler

Vice-Captain: Rassie van der Dussen

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