"They say that if you fail to prepare you should prepare to fail, and it turns out that is what England were doing across the two understaffed days of training with which they launched themselves into this series. They proceeded to get bowled out for 131 in 24.3 overs, losing their last seven wickets for just 29 runs, before Aiden Markram humbled their bowlers in propelling South Africa towards victory by seven wickets, sealed with 175 balls to spare."
"A week ahead of this match Temba Bavuma's team were in the middle of a convoluted, lengthy journey from Queensland to Yorkshire via Sydney, Singapore and London. But it was England who looked jetlagged by the less long-distance but more recent whiplash turnaround from the Hundred, in which several squad members, if only two of those selected for this series opener, were engaged 48 hours earlier."
"In their absence the team's first training session on Sunday was attended by just a handful of players, their second on Monday had less than two-thirds of the squad present, and the outcome was a powder-puff display against match-honed and whip-smart opponents. Until they lost two wickets in two balls with the scores tied and the die cast the tourists' performance had been as blemish-free as England's was error-strewn."
England fielded an underprepared side after two understaffed training days and a rapid Hundred turnaround, resulting in a collapse to 131 all out in 24.3 overs. South Africa chased comfortably, propelled by Aiden Markram as they won by seven wickets with 175 balls to spare. Temba Bavuma's team endured a long travel itinerary but arrived match-honed and sharp. England's limited recent training attendance left several players underprepared. Exceptional South African fielding, including key catches and an incisive throw, accelerated England's collapse, while a minor missed stop on the boundary and an injured fielder punctuated a chaotic defensive effort.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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