It is normal procedure for the performance squad consisting of players on the verge of breaking into the national team to base themselves in the same country as their national team would be touring, at the same time. This arrangement provides the English national team with reserve players and opposition to practice against while the performance squad players gets used to touring conditions and foreign countries in lieu of them eventually breaking into the national team.

England Cricket board manager, Dr. Guy Jackson is in charge of England Cricket’s performance squad and on average had 23 players and 4 staff to manage on a daily basis. South Africa’s Allan Donald also spent time with these players, helping with specifically their fast bowling.

The final preparation before the England team started with the 5-day test matches was a game between the test side & the performance squad, on the A-oval of TUKS.