There are two teams applying two different approaches to their Champions Trophy preparation in this series. Time will tell which one proves more useful as the tournament unfolds, but for the moment it is England who have yielded the short-term gains that they sought out. Only just, mind you.
SOUTHAMPTON ODI
De Kock 98 in vain as England clinch thriller
Needing seven runs to win off the last over, Mark Wood conceded only four © Cricbuzz
The hosts have opted to field a first-choice side in the opening two games of the three-match series and now have an unassailable lead after a thrilling two-run victory at the Rose Bowl on Saturday (May 27). The confidence gained from beating the top-ranked side in the world should prove valuable when their Champions Trophy campaign gets underway.
South Africa have taken a longer-term view. When their squad was announced last month, their selection convenor promised that all 15 players would get a game in the England series so that all combinations could be tested. After making three changes to the team that lost the series opener at Headingley, they are on track to fulfill that promise. It may have compromised their chances against a formidable England side on Saturday, but if it allows more of their players to contribute in the Champions Trophy then it might have been worthwhile.
That said, no amount of planning will save South Africa if they continue to field as poorly as they have in this series. The second ODI saw them put down six catches, with
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