ODI Squad better prepared - De Villiers

The Proteas' One-Day International (ODI) unit have used the lull between ODI's to prepare more efficiently, ahead of the second match of the Natwest series against England in Southampton. Proteas captain, AB de Villiers feels the abandoned first match gave the majority of the Test players an extended period to ease into the limited overs format after the euphoria of the Test victory. 

"The previous ODI was quite frustrating," De Villiers said about the rained out match. "If anything we are a little bit better prepared this time around. It happened so quickly after the Test series and I think both teams were a little bit in the Test mix so it's nice to go into the second ODI fully prepared and refreshed." 

South Africa has only played one match at the Ageas Bowl, and have fed off the experience of former batsmen Neil Mckenzie, who plays for the home team the Hampshire Royals. De Villiers expects slightly different conditions to those in Cardiff, with statistics suggesting an even incline towards batting or bowling at the toss. 

"It's pretty even, we've looked at the results and it's a tossup between batting and bowling first. We have to focus on the basics and make sure that we have a good start, it's all about the momentum. It might take a bit of turn so we'll will think of that when we pick the team tonight." 

Albie Morkel and Dale Steyn are still unavailable for selection after failing to recover from the injuries which kept them out of the line-up for the first ODI. Morkel is struggling with a left ankle impingement injury and Steyn is still recovering from a stiff neck, they are both being carefully managed with the ICC World T20 starting in less than three weeks. 

"We are still having trouble with Albie and Dale, we want to get them ready before the big tournament," de Villiers concluded.