Match Preview South Africa vs England, 1st T20I 2020 | ESPNcricinfo.com

But now, with Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes restored to the front line, and Mark Wood ready to be unleashed once more after his post-Test downtime, the opening fixture in East London marks the official start of England's return to the white-ball saddle.For this is the format that now offers the swiftest route to glory for an England team that has the 2023 World Cup defence as a long-term objective, and the memory of the 2016 World T20 final to drive them on in the short term. Temba Bavuma at No. 3 will have a chance to build on his favourable white-ball impression, and then there's the dangerous David Miller lurking in the middle order - the sort of proven T20 performer who can turn any innings in his side's favour.There's promise in that mix, and who knows, there could yet be an injection of quality further down the line, with AB de Villiers very much in contention for a last hurrah at the main event, a year on from his aborted offer to return for the 50-over World Cup. That may be a plot twist for a later date, but all such prospects add extra layers of context to these upcoming contests - which is something that bilateral T20Is have all too often lacked in the past.(last five completed matches, most recent first)South Africa WLWWT Mark Wood says England will be sticking with their World Cup-winning philosophy for the T20s Dale Steyn set to play first international in nearly a year as Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes re-enter fray for EnglandTo help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies?