LET’S be honest. After the pasting they received in the first Test in Durban, the current Proteas team could do with a little inspiration before their second Test against Australia – and there is no shortage of familiar South African cricketing heroes in action this weekend from which to draw courage.

While Temba Bavuma’s men prepare for the next chapter of their three-Test series against Australia, the SA Champions will be chasing a place in the World Championship of Legends final when they take on England Champions in Sharjah on Friday.

The defending champions have won all five of their matches in the tournament so far, but England have enough firepower to make the semi-final a serious test of their title defence.

The match also offers a reunion with some familiar English names whose reputations precede them.

James Anderson, one of the most successful fast bowlers in Test history, brings a formidable record to the England squad. Moeen Ali offers all-round ability and destructive hitting, while Jason Roy is known for his aggressive approach at the top of the order.

Then there is Dawid Malan, who has already shown South Africa what he can do. He scored 88 when the sides met earlier in the tournament, although the SA Champions held on for a nine-run victory.

Moeen also demonstrated his ability to change a game in a hurry, smashing 94 off 44 balls against Australia in England’s most recent league match. England nevertheless fell 16 runs short of their target.

These are players who have performed on the international stage, and South Africa’s old guard will need to be wary of their ability to turn a match around in a matter of overs.

AB de Villiers and Jean-Paul Duminy have provided plenty of batting power, while the likes of Faf du Plessis, Richard Levi, Colin Ingram and Morné van Wyk give the side depth and options throughout the order.

Duminy underlined his value in the group-stage meeting with England, scoring 76 off 43 balls, while De Villiers contributed 56 off 31 deliveries. Wayne Parnell then added an unbeaten 35 from just 18 balls as South Africa posted 204/5.

That performance showed the danger of allowing the SA Champions’ experienced batters to settle. They can build an innings, accelerate quickly and leave opponents with little room for error at the death.

The bowling attack has also proved capable of doing the job. Hardus Viljoen took five wickets for 16 runs against Bangladesh, helping dismiss the opposition for 122 after South Africa had scored 210/3.

That balance between aggressive batting and a bowling attack able to take wickets gives South Africa reason to approach the knockout stage with confidence.

The formats and circumstances are different, but the Champions’ campaign offers a reminder of what experienced players can bring: composure under pressure, clarity about their strengths and the ability to seize a key moment.

There is no guarantee that the former stars’ success will translate into a boost for the Test side. But a South African victory over a team packed with familiar international names would provide supporters with something to cheer about before the next Test.

First, though, De Villiers and company must get past England. Another final is within reach – but the reputation and pedigree of their opponents means they cannot afford to take anything for granted.