They say change is the only constant, and for England, that rings more true than any other side. The majority of the players who will take the field in the first ODI against South Africa had been playing in the Hundred at least until last week, with players like Joe Root and Harry Brook featuring in games just two days out from the start of this series.
And it’s hardly a rarity in England’s schedule. The side had just finished playing a two-month-long Test series against India on the eve of the opening Hundred game. What is more, once the South Africa series ends, they still have two more white-ball tours. In a way, it’s a nice distraction from the fact that they have the A-word awaiting them at the end of the series.
South Africa, too, haven’t been too long without a game. They were in Mackay just over a week ago, playing Australia in the final ODI. And now they have returned to England for the second time this year, though this time they come without the nervousness that surrounded them before the WTC final. For now, they have eyes on next year’s T20 World Cup and perhaps more on the 2027 ODI World Cup, which they will be hosting. Temba Bavuma said they are still a work in progress, but continuous appearances in the format will help them expedite the process.
Team Overview:
South Africa handed a debut ODI cap to Dewald Brevis after his heroics in the T20I leg. However, he failed to replicate his T20I form. While on a rescue mission in the third match, he missed what would have been his first half-century by one run. Bavuma, however, backed the youngster to gain balance with enough game time.
Among the South African batters, only Matthew Breetzke managed to go full throttle. In two innings, he scored 145 runs before being sidelined for the final ODI with a hamstring issue. His half-century in the first game was overshadowed by Keshav Maharaj’s spectacular display of spin in the opening ODI when he played havoc with the Australian batting lineup. With Breetzke still nursing his hamstring, the Proteas might give Tony de Zorzi a chance back in the team.
But South Africa’s bowling lineup has taken a hit with Kagiso Rabada not fit to join the side, which means Lungi Ngidi will have to lead a relatively inexperienced attack. Bavuma, who missed one game during the Australia series, might pick and choose games to manage his workload, but it is understood he is a certain starter for the opening ODI.
For England, there’s slightly more going on. They called up and included pacer Sonny Baker, who has only 12 List A games to his name, in the final XI for the first ODI. Baker’s exciting outings in the Hundred have made him central to the chatter in whatever little build-up the series got. He will join Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse to form the pace attack. England did not tinker much with the squad that played West Indies in June, though the Hundred performances did warrant rewarding some strong showings, like Jordan Cox and Zak Crawley, with a spot in the team.
Head-to-Head Matches:
South Africa are ahead with 35 wins in 71 matches played against England, who have been the winning side in 30 games.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Rains have started coming down more frequently as the English summer draws to a close. There is one spell also forecast for this game. Headingley has a batting-friendly surface, which tends to become more so as the game progresses. The toss-winning captain would look to bowl first.
Prediction:
South Africa have not only played the format more recently than England, but they are also on a roll, so they would ensure England are reminded of it too.
Where to watch:
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Go
South Africa: SuperSport Channel, SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport Cricket
Pakistan: Tapmad, Tamasha
India: Sony Sports Network
USA: Willow TV
