Kagiso Rabada in action in a T20 international against Australia at Newlands on 26 February 2020 (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

The Proteas are set to play their first international in eight months as they take on reigning World Cup champions England.

International cricket’s return to South Africa consists of three T20s and three ODIs at Newlands and Boland Park.

A 24-man squad is currently in a strict bio-bubble in Cape Town ahead of the first T20 at Newlands on Friday (18:00 SA time).

READ | 5 England stars who could trouble Proteas in SA

The Proteas have played 18 T20s against England to date, winning 9 and losing 8 with one no result.

Sport24 takes a look at five Proteas stars that England may need to be wary of heading into the opening T20:

Kagiso Rabada

Rabada has proved time and time again why he is one of the best fast bowlers this country has ever produced.

His latest exploits came at the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he was the leading wicket-taker, winning the purple cap by claiming 30 wickets in 17 matches.

Rabada has only played 24 T20s since his debut in 2014 as his craft was more focused on the longer formats of the game – Test and one-day cricket.

There’s no denying that Rabada is raring to go in making his first appearance in the green and gold since February.

Rabada is hoping to replicate his IPL form and all eyes will be the 25-year-old to wreak havoc on the England top order.

Rassie van der Dussen

Van der Dussen has made 40 appearances for the Proteas and his calmness and skilful displays with the bat make him a definite threat to the England bowling attack.

Despite not being in much action since the coronavirus pandemic, Van der Dussen is valuable in the Proteas top-order, averaging a decent 31.23 in 15 T20 appearances.

Van der Dussen has had some cricket under his belt thanks to his 4-Day Franchise Series starts. The 31-year-old didn’t make much impact with the willow as the Lions have yet to secure a win in their opening two games.

The Proteas batsman has worked hard on his game during the lockdown period and is ready to produce some standout performances against England.

Janneman Malan

Despite only playing 2 T20s, Malan’s attacking approach is exactly what the Proteas need to tame the fearsome Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.

Earlier this year, Malan smashed an unbeaten 124* in just his second ODI against Australia. It was the start of Malan’s journey to cementing his spot alongside Proteas skipper Quinton de Kock.

And with Aiden Markram not included in the limited-overs series, Malan is poised to make the opening spot his own against England.

However, the 25-year-old will also have ODI opener Reeza Hendricks in the mix.

Malan, who played in the opening two 4-Day Franchise rounds, will have some comfort when playing the world champions on his home turfs – Newlands and Boland Park.

Anrich Nortje

Since bursting onto the international scene in 2019, Nortje has been on a whirlwind journey and his performances at the IPL had cricket fans speechless.

Playing alongside Rabada at the Delhi Capitals, Nortje claimed 22 wickets in 16 games in his IPL debut season.

The 30-year-old bowled with unbelievable pace throughout the tournament, consistently clocking over 150 kph and even bowling the fastest ball in the tournament’s history at 156 kph.

Nortje’s new-found partnership with Rabada will add more firepower to the Proteas’ strong bowling arsenal against the likes of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.

Quinton de Kock

Earlier this month, De Kock starred in the IPL when the Mumbai Indians opener helped his side to their record fifth title. 

De Kock was his team’s top run-scorer – and top South African – in this season’s tournament, scoring 503 runs in his 16 matches, which included four half-centuries.

The Proteas skipper has been consistent in the middle all through the 2019/20 season as he looks to maintain his form in Cape Town.

De Kock has a lot on his shoulders with everything surrounding Cricket South Africa. His performances with bat, gloves and captaincy armband are vital to what will be a busy summer for the Proteas.

All images: AFP/Gallo Images