JOE GRANT picks an XI from the players available for the upcoming three-match series between The Proteas and the reigning 50-over world champions
5,833 runs at 45.57; 177 catches, 12 stumpings
A staple of the South Africa side since his ODI debut in January 2013, the keeper-batter possesses an impressive balance of stroke play and big-hitting making him a devastating prospect for bowlers.
Close to moving into the pantheon of South Africa ODI batting greats, he should surpass Jonty Rhodes in the all-time run-scoring list during this series and is on the brink of becoming just the seventh man to pass 6,000 runs for the country.
4,275 runs at 39.95; 191 catches, 34 stumpings
Succeeding Eoin Morgan at one stage felt like an impossible job but Buttler has risen to the challenge with aplomb while maintaining his remarkable batting form at the top of the order.
His T20 heroics almost overshadow his 50-over successes. Not just part of that 2019 vintage but he's a record-breaker too.
England's three fastest centuries in this format have come from the bat of the Lancashire man, with his unbeaten 162 against Netherlands in June coming seven years on from his 116 not out in Dubai against Pakistan. In short, there are few batters feared more in the international game.
455 runs at 50.55 (two centuries, two half-centuries)
Malan has become a crucial part of England’s white-ball sides while simultaneously remaining criminally undervalued. Part of England's World Cup-winning side at the T20 World Cup, injury denied him from playing in the latter stages. The left-hander also enjoyed an excellent year in 50-over cricket, scoring two centuries in five games, including 134 against Australia in Adelaide. A natural anchor at number three, he provides a platform for the powerful middle order to flourish.
David Miller (CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/AFP via Getty Images)
1,525 runs at 69.31 (three centuries, 11 half-centuries)
One of the first names on the team sheet in the batting order. Van Der Dussen tore England apart in July 2022 at Chester-le-street, scoring 134 in a 62-run success, to overshadow Ben Stokes' retirement from the format. The South African currently has the second-highest ODI average, only behind India's Shubhman Gill.
3,656 runs at 41.54 (five centuries, 18 half-centuries)
An experienced cricketer who has seen it all. Since his international debut in 2010, Miller has been ever-present in the South African white-ball side. Defined by his power-hitting down the order, he provided a timely reminder of his talent against India. Scores at 141 per 100 balls in the last 10 overs of ODIs.
2,051 runs at 25.01 (3 centuries, five half-centuries); 95 wickets at 49.66
Moeen provides brilliant balance to this side, with bat, ball and as vice-captain to Buttler. Only played a bit-part role during the 2019 World Cup, but is as elegant a hitter of a cricket ball as you could wish to be. Vital and skilful with the ball, a calming presence in the middle order and able to pile on late runs if required, he is adaptable to whatever situation arises.
Adil Rashid (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
157 wickets at 29.75; 1,322 runs at 24.94 (5 half-centuries)
Woakes doesn't possess the pace of Archer or Wod, Rabada or Nortje, but his accuracy with the new ball and ability to generate movement off the seam was one of the key elements of England's World Cup success. One of those players who helped scoop both white-ball World Cups, he played a crucial role in both tournaments. A handy batter down the order too, with a quintet of fifties to his name.
169 wickets at 33.05; 678 runs at 17.84 (1 half-century)
One of the best leg-spin bowlers in the world, making him a shoo-in for this XI. Much of England's success in recent times have rested on his ability outside of powerplay, squeezing the scoring rate and forcing batters into errors in the search of boundaries. Rashid was a vital member of England's ODI World Cup win and the recent T20 success. He took 2 for 22 in the final against Pakistan, once again proving his big-match temperament.
30 wickets at 24.00
Archer has not played an international cricket match since March 2021 and an ODI since September 2020 due to a succession of injuries, but fully fit he'd slip into XI in the world. Archer only made his international debut in 2019 but quickly backed up the hype he'd created in franchise cricket. The Sussex star is a frightening prospect for batters at full tilt, providing pace, an impressive short ball and good variations.
Kagiso Rabada (PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
135 wickets at 27.77
Another lightning-quick seamer who is among the best in the world. Able to hit 90mph, limit scoring and is a regular wicket-taker (six four-wicket hauls in 87 matches. An all-format player who will go through 200 internationals with South Africa in 2023, fitness permitting. Has formed a genuine partnership with Anrich Nortje.
66 wickets at 26.59
Ngidi has put together a formidable ODI career meaning he just edges Nortje for the final place in this XI. Possessing a slightly different set of skills, though still with an ability to test the speed gun, the 26-year-old has a good short ball. Enjoyed a good series against India, taking four wickets at just above 18.
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