Arthur Turner

South Africa have much at stake when the ODI series against England starts at the Wanderers later this month. Their 4-0 defeat in the ODI series in England in 2008 and the recent loss in the Champions Trophy at SuperSport Park will still be fresh in their minds. The old rivalry and the recent spat between the two captains will also spice up the occasion.

Another aspect that is important for coach Mickey Arthur is to start developing a squad for the next World Cup that is now less than two years away. There are certain positions that he will have to get clarity on before the tournament. A good example of this is the role of Albie Morkel. Will he be considered as an all-rounder or as a batsman?

I wrote in a previous column that the age of certain players must be a concern and this will also have to be carefully monitored in the period leading up the Subcontinent World Cup.

The series against Zimbabwe is a good exercise ahead of the England series. It is not always about the quality of the opposition, but the time spent in the middle that can never be replaced by practice sessions. It also gives the management team a chance to give Ryan McLaren his debut and to re-introduce Charl Langeveldt to the team.

The match at Willowmoore Park once again highlighted that the South African attack remains a problem with regards to taking wickets in the middle overs and their economy rate. These problems will have to be resolved if the Proteas are to beat England and challenge for the World Cup.

On a positive note the selection of Wayne Parnell after his injury will certainly strengthen the attack and the return of Langeveldt with his experience and skill level should go a long way to solving the bowling problems.

If this first ODI was any ting to go by it looks like the Proteas have decided to play only one spinner. Johan Botha enjoyed a fantastic summer against Australia last season and is the vice-captain of the ODI team. However, since the 'doorsa' has been removed from his armory, he has not looked the same bowler. He has become predictable as he can no longer spin the ball both ways.

On the other hand Roelof van der Merwe has made an impressive start to his career. He is a player with a big heart and the sort of player a captain wants to go to war with. If only one spinner is selected it will probably be Van der Merwe.

Arthur will in all likelihood make four changes to his starting line up for the first ODI against England from the side that played at Willowmoore Park. If fit, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy and Parnell are all certainties to play, along with Van der Merwe. This will probably be at the expense of Hashim Amla, Alviro Petersen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Botha respectively.

Along with beating fierce rivals Australia and winning the World Cup, beating old foes England in any format of the game is high on any South African cricket fans' wish list.

England will be looking to build on their good performances of the Champions Trophy by winning their first ODI series on South African soil. The one day game has never really been their strength but this seems to be changing under the management of Andy Flower. It appears Zimbabwean-born coaches bring out the best in the English teams they coach.

Arthur is a former cricket administrator and current player agent.

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