ENGLAND slumped to another defeat and have now lost their one-day series in South Africa with a match to play.
Jos Buttlersteam failed to defend 342-7 and the ease with which the Proteas cruised to their target will cause plenty of alarms.
David Miller was in at the end to guide South Africa to victory
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored an impressive century
It was another defeat for Jos Buttler and Co
It meansEnglandhave lost five one-dayers on the trot which is hardly ideal at the start of a World Cup year.
England followed their 27-run defeat on Friday with a five-wicket loss in Bloemfontein and now the third and final match on Wednesday is a dead rubber.
The game went to the final over but the truth is that South Africa had their run chase under control for at least the final 15 overs.
Admittedly, the schedule is all over the place but England have not won a 50-over series against a Test-playing nation since they beat Pakistan in July 2021.
Couple appear to have sex by side of road as theyre caught on drivers dashcam
Youre not seeing doubles... darts fan really has got Gerwyn Price tatt
England are not at full strength Joe RootJonny Bairstowand Mark Wood are among those missing and are rotating their XI.
But, so far, this mini-trip is not going to plan.
SinceButtler succeeded Eoin Morgan as captain, England have lost eight out of 11 with one no result.
Buttler has led England toT20 World Cup glory, of course, but ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain admitted on Sky: There is a lot of talent in the squad and at times the schedule has worked against them, but it is a concern.
England collapse and lose by 27 runs to South Africa despite Roys century
Inside Freddie Flintoffs incredible car collection - from Lambo to Porsche
Horror moment cricketer floored and covered in blood after being smashed by ball
Watch cricket legend Clarke square up to TV host as he is slapped by partner
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
If you take your eye off the game, then other sides go past you.
England do have a lot of good players to come back but you want to win every game and these have been two drubbings in South Africa.
There was an edge to the game, too, with Buttler exchanging words with South African batsman Rassie van der Dussan and Sam Curran responding with an in-your-face celebration after he coaxed centurion Temba Bavuma into dragging onto his stumps.
Buttler added: I was delighted to score 342 after a tough start and what a brilliant game of cricket. That was a great chase by South Africa.
Theres a bigger picture of building towards the World Cup but weve come here to win games of cricket and build confidence. So we need to win on Wednesday.
England struggled in the early overs with Jason Roy, who scored a redemptive century 48 hours earlier, bowled for just nine.
The ballast of Englands innings came from middle-order trio Harry Brook, Buttler and Moeen Ali.
Brook was out for a duck on his one-day international debut on Friday but this time made 80 from 75 balls before skewing a catch to deep cover.
Buttler was impressive with 94 not out from 82 deliveries while Moeens 51 was his first ODI half-century since September 2017.
Tesco fans rushing to buy amazing self-heating mattress topper for just 20
Inside Stacey Solomons last minute baby shower hosted in her kitchen
England pillaged 181 runs from their final 20 overs and 60 from the last four overs and swept to 342-7.
But Bavuma was superb and the middle-order all contributed with David Miller finishing the job by launching Chris Woakes for six.
Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 94 for England
Harry Brook impressed to score 80 before holing out to Rassie van der Dussen off the bowling of Aiden Markram
Moeen Ali scored his first ODI half-century since 2017
Millions urged to check for voucher as BBC One switch-off approaches
Rookie cop suspended over fling with top officer probed over drug boss affair
Boyfriend of schoolgirl, 15, fought to save her life after she was stabbed
24 actress Annie Wersching dies aged 45 after cancer battle
©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The Sun, Sun, Sun Online are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers LimitedsStandard Terms and Conditionsin accordance with ourPrivacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit ourSyndicationsite. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries,Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by theIndependent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this .uk/editorial-complaints/
|