Champions Trophy: SA coach Walter wary of England's potential comeback
What's the story
South Africa's cricket coach, Rob Walter, has sounded a note of caution ahead of the team's all-important ICC Champions Trophy encounter against England.
Despite England's recent on-field struggles, Walter is wary of their ability to turn things around.
The match in Karachi is a must-win for South Africa as a victory would seal their semi-final berth.
However, a loss could complicate their progress, depending on other results and net run-rate calculations.
Here's more.
Player comeback
Klaasen's return boosts South Africa's lineup
South Africa's wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen is set to make a comeback after recovering from an elbow injury.
His return is expected to strengthen the team's lineup considerably.
Walter praised Klaasen, saying "He's a super player, isn't he? "And I think that you probably notice his strength also based on who the guys are around him that allow him to play that way," the coach told reporters.
This development adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match against England.
Team assessment
Walter acknowledges England's quality players despite recent struggles
Walter also acknowledged the quality of England's players and their ability to put up a strong performance in the next match.
He said, "If you look at the names on the sheet, I think there's some quality players there, there's mo doubt about that."
Despite their recent poor form, having won just three out of nine matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 3-0 ODI series loss in India before this tournament, Walter remains wary of underestimating them.
Future outlook
Walter expresses confidence in England's cricket future
Despite the pressure on England after a string of poor performances since their T20 World Cup win in 2022, Walter was confident about the team's future.
He said, "I think there's good people there who have done good things in cricket, working with good players."
"Cricket can be fickle and sometimes that results in you losing. I would suggest it's only a matter of time before they find success," he added.
South Africa
The Proteas's run so far in the tournament
South Africa enjoyed a dominating 107-run win against Afghanistan in their opening game.
The win was fueled by Ryan Rickelton's ton and half-centuries from Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen combined with Aiden Markram's record-breaking 50.
However, their second match against Australia was washed out due to rain.
They now sit atop Group B with three wins and a net run rate of +2.140.
Jos
Jos Buttler steps down as England's white-ball captain
Jos Buttler has resigned as England's white-ball captain after the team's dismal run in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.
The decision was announced before England's last league match against South Africa.
"It's the right decision for me, it's the right decision for the team and hopefully somebody else who can come in and work closely alongside Baz [Brendon McCullum] to take the team back to where it needs to be," Buttler said at a press conference on Friday (February 28).