Faf du Plessis welcomes return of Kyle Abbott

Faf du Plessis hopes the return of Kyle Abbott to South Africa's bowling attack can help them level the one-day series with England on Saturday.

Abbott missed the opening match in Bloemfontein with a thigh injury and the Proteas struggled with the ball as England amassed a mammoth 399-9 from their 50 overs.

South Africa were in the hunt on 250-5 in the 34th over but heavy rain saw them succumb to a 39-run defeat via the Duckworth-Lewis method as the Proteas fell 1-0 behind in the five-match series.

Abbott is likely to replace Marchant de Lange in Port Elizabeth, while Kagiso Rabada could also return after being rested in game one.

"It's a big boost [having Abbott back]," said Du Plessis. "Something we have missed a lot this whole series is experience.

"Although Kyle hasn't played 100 ODIs he has played a little bit more than the guys who have been given opportunities.

"We are trying to get some experience in the field, Dale [Steyn] has been a big loss for us, his boots are always big shoes to fill so it is always a big challenge for whoever comes in.

"Kyle brings consistency, he is someone who has bowled well for us in white-ball cricket and in the T20s as well."