​England’s early sorties on their tour to South Africa have had a strong Leicestershire connection.

They opened up against the Diamond Eagles, led by former County skipper Boeta Dippenaar and featuring all-rounder Dillon du Preez, who proved a popular performer at Grace Road in 2008.

The Eagles, usually a strong one-day unit, would have been disappointed with their showing which culminated in a conclusive win for the tourists.

But all credit to England for getting off to a flying start on what is going to be an arduous tour, taking in Twenty20 cricket, one-day internationals and a four-Test series which will not be far short of Ashes intensity – if short at all.

Next up were the Warriors in Kimberley with their major batting contribution coming from Arno Jacobs, a stylish left-hander who had a brief stint with Leicestershire in 2007.

But again England dominated, posting an eight-wicket win to help sustain the early momentum.

The Leicestershire theme will continue, too, once Andrew Strauss’ side locks horns with the Proteas.

Former County skipper Jeremy Snape is the South Africans’ performance coach and he is relishing the winter ahead.

“All the players have been training hard for this so I am sure they will all be keen to make an impact,” said Snape. “In a big series like this the senior players enjoy taking on responsibility, so we may see something special from the likes of Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn.”

England can expect South Africa to come out firing. They disappointed their supporters as they flopped in the ICC Champions Trophy, failing to qualify from the group stages when many punters saw them as potential winners.

They have depth to their batting and a high-velocity seam attack which will be champing at the bit to get at England’s batting – with Messrs Pietersen and Trott no doubt at the top of the list of targets.

Currently ranked No.1 in the Test rankings, South Africa will take some beating on their own patch. England will have to hold their nerve to compete – but after the summer’s duel with the Aussies, they should not be lacking in that department.