It is turning out to be a far from ideal build up to their title defence as England look to keep the series alive against South Africa.
The two teams meet in the second of three T20 internationals on Monday with the Proteas leading 1-0.
Just over a week remains before England start their title defence in Sri Lanka - a tournament they won two years ago in the West Indies.
This time, however, things look rather bleak as they are struggling to mount a serious challenge to their opponents. It can be argued that they have run in to South Africa this summer - the No. 1 team in all formats or just there about.
The first match ended in a seven-wicket defeat for the home side as England batsmen struggled to cope with spin.
Their best player of spin, Kevin Pietersen, has been out of the team due to problems of his own, but captain Stuart Broad has no excuses for the drop in performances.
The batsmen will need to better than Saturday when Craig Keiswetter top scored with 25 and the team ended up with less than six runs per over.
With each passing day, South Africa are roaring into contention for the favorites spot ahead of the ICC World Twenty20.
Their win in the first match was a reaffirmation of their domination as Jacques Kallis continued his T20 form from where he left with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Johan Botha and Robin Peterson had two wickets apiece but the Old Trafford wicket is not expected to provide them as much assistance.
Overall, the team bears a settled look and one does not see any reason to reshuffle the winning combination.
Captain AB de Villiers will rely on his fast bowlers including Dale Steyn as the team seems to have struck a balance in terms of players selection.
The match will start at 6.30pm local time to allow a good attendance on the weekday.