New Proteas ODI captain Quinton de Kock wants to make a big statement when they face world champions England at Newlands today at 1pm.
In their first 50-over match after a disappointing campaign at last year’s World Cup, which saw ex-captain Faf du Plessis and his teammates fail to make the playoffs, South Africa face the winners of that tournament.
De Kock, though, is min gespin and says they don’t fear facing the world champs.
The newly-appointed skipper says: “It is just like playing any other team.
“Just because you have a World Cup doesn’t change anything.
“It is still the normal England team we will play against.
“I remember last time they came here [in 2016] we did pretty well and won the series.
“So it doesn’t really matter if they are World Cup winners or not.
“It is the same as if we are playing Australia, India,
Bangladesh, or whoever.”
England have rested Ben Stokes, arguably the world’s best allrounder, but De Kock says there is still much quality in the squad.
He says of the visitors’ squad: “It’s always nice not to have to play against Ben Stokes, but they still have quality players.
“There are World Cup winners that are part of the squad and they have also got exciting young players.
“To start off with a win would be great for the team environment and the boys seem to be up for it.”