South Africa v England: Heather Knight’s team hopes to bounce back from World Cup disappointment

Whether England wants to admit it or not, they have something to prove.

Just over a month after their disastrous group stage exit at the Women’s T20 World Cup, Heather Knight’s side will travel to South Africa for the multi-format series, followed by the Women’s Ashes in Australia in January.

The first of three T20 tournaments starts on Sunday (1200 GMT), followed by three one-day internationals before the four-day Test begins on December 15. You can enjoy radio commentary for every game on the BBC Sport website and app, plus receive real-time text updates.

It’s a quick turnaround after such a disappointing World Cup campaign but seamer Kate Cross, who is part of the ODI and Test squads, believes it will benefit England.

“A few years ago, if you got knocked out of the World Cup, you had to wait until the summer to play cricket again and prove yourself,” Cross told the BBC No Balls podcast.

“But I feel like cricket came back on our horizon so quickly after that, against the team that lost the final, so we know we have a chance to take on a really strong team on their own terms and you’ll be right back in the fight.”

The aftermath of the World Cup was arguably the worst the England women’s team had ever faced and was a stark reminder of the heightened scrutiny and expectations that come with the privilege of being a professional athlete.

The team’s physical fitness has been questioned, as have its off-field activities and social media presence.

Knight and head coach John Lewis denied the allegations and understandably defended their team, but admitted they need to improve in tense moments – even though it is something they have been talking about for almost two years.

Against South Africa, the finalists of the said World Cup, England have a chance to change those perceptions before entering the pressure cooker of the Ashes.