England captain Joe Root believes better preparation and less disruption can help his side bounce back in the second Test against South Africa.
Illness-hit England slumped to a 107-run defeat on the fourth day of the first Test in Centurion as the hosts took a 1-0 series lead.
They will now face South Africa in the second Test at Newlands on Friday. The home side are the favourites at 2.00 (1/1) with Bet365 to make it 2-0, while England are priced up at 2.38 (11/8) to level the series. The draw is at 7.50 (13/2).
Root admitted it had been a tough time for his squad but wasn’t making excuses after the defeat.
Instead he was left to rue a poor showing with the bat in the first innings at SuperSport Park.
England were always chasing the game after being bowled out for 181 after collapsing from 142-3 at one stage.
Root said: “When we get the opportunity to turn the screw, we really need to take it, both with bat and ball. That's where the game was won and lost this time round, the first innings with bat and ball.
“Ultimately I have to give credit to South Africa. I thought they played very well this week.”
On the disruption that saw 10 players hit by illness on tour, he added: “We're not going to hide behind that as an excuse.
“Credit to everyone – they have stood up and tried to put in the best performance possible. At no stage have they let anyone down.
“Pretty much everyone has been ill now so hopefully that is out of the way and we can prepare extremely well and bounce back strong.”