2nd T20I: South Africa v England at Johannesburg

Terrific confidence-boost for them ahead of the World T20

- they have three T20s against Australia still to come this season before heading to India

www.trinidadexpress.com/20160220/sports/...8217s-players-robbed

Gina , whats going on here ?

I have no idea. I didn't even know they were in South Africa.

It was great stuff from AB and Hashim, but I still can't quite work out how England collapsed so badly.

The commentators were very critical of England for selecting an extra batsman on a pitch that's supposed to be batsman friendly. He didn't help their cause too much either.

two players were drugged and robbed of i-pads, iPhones, clothing, jewellery and cash

following a birthday celebration for two members of the squad.


Not very hospitable in Port Elizabeth 

What a shellacking that was. The clean striking on display from ABdV was frightening. What power. He is simply on another level in the shorter formats of the game. What an opening pair he and Amla are: the sheer power and destruction of ABdV combined with the elegance and timing of Amla. A joy to watch.

England's collapse - 7 wickets for 14 runs - was impressive even for them, although they were a little unfortunate with some of the dismissals (Morgan, Stokes and Billings). It's frustrating that even when they play the extra batsman, they still can't last the 20 overs. I also agreed with the commentators that the decision to play the extra batsman was a poor one, especially on that pitch.

How Jason Roy continues to get picked in the side over James Vince is baffling to me. Yes, he has potential and is a fearless cricketer, but at some point, you need to actually live up to your potential and score runs. Hales and Vince would be my opening pair for the World Cup. Vince is also a better fit for this side as he is someone that is comfortable with getting himself in and batting right through the innings.

Buttler again great with the bat, shaky with the gloves. Another missed stumping opportunity. 

England with plenty of work to do if they want to compete at the World Cup. I am still not sold on Roy and Jordan meriting their position in the side.

My XI for the World Cup would be:

Hales
Vince
Root
Morgan (c)
Buttler (wk)
Stokes
Moeen Ali
Rashid
Willey
Finn
Topley

I couldn't agree more, but I guess those things happen everywhere from time to time. It does seem strange that an international sport's team would be put up at such an inappropriate hotel though.