South Africa vs England: First ODI preview, pitch report, prediction

South Africa vs England: Proteas are out to avoid humiliation in the ICC World Cup qualification race but face a stiff test in the form of the world champions England.

South Africa vs England: First ODI preview

South Africa

The South Africa vs England ODI series gives the Proteas a chance to right some of their batting issues.

In this respect, they are bolstered by the return from injury of ODI stalwart Rassie van der Dussen.

Janneman Malan was the 2021 ODI player of the year but didn’t enjoy the breakout 2022 he might have expected as opportunities were limited.

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Nonetheless, Malan stands out with his impressive track record.

When it comes to the bowling attack complacency is the great enemy with clearly world-class talents at the Proteas disposal.

Marco Jansen and Wayne Parnell are unlikely to occupy the same XI and you would expect that the younger of the left-arm quicks will be favoured if fitness is not a factor.

Another choice facing selectors is whether to play both frontline spinners in the squad.

If Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi both play, the skipper will have the option of sending down 30 overs of spin, with Aiden Markram showing he is a viable option with his off-spin.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

England

England have the advantage of having a pool of players in the country playing SA20 League cricket.

Skipper Jos Buttler has made star turns for the Paarl Royals alongside fellow top order man Jason Roy and former ODI skipper Eoin Morgan, who has retired from the international scene.

Also already in South Africa were Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley.

South African crowds get a first up close look at rising England batting star Harry Brook.

Moeen Ali and Rashid will be crucial to England’s attack on the Mangaung Oval pitch, but if they get it wrong they could travel. 

England ODI Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes.

South Africa vs England: Mangaung Oval Pitch Report

Venue: Mangaung Oval

Match: First ODI South Africa vs England 2023

Start time: 13:00

Stadium Capacity: 20,000

Ends: Loch Logan End, Willows End

England have never lost an ODI at the Mangaung Oval playing four matches at the venue, winning three and playing to a tie in 2005.

Their last visit was also the occasion for the highest aggregate score at the venue despite a rain delay seeing the match cut down.

In the last ODI at the Mangaung Oval, the Proteas chased down a target of 272 to beat Australia with Malan’s unbeaten hundred the star turn.

The ground typically offers great bounce and carry but it is not terribly forgiving when bowlers get it wrong.

It is a difficult ground to defend on which means the skipper winning the toss will need to resist the temptation to bat first on a pitch that will no doubt resemble a highway.

South Africa vs England: Prediction

The Proteas fall firmly into the underdog category despite playing at home.

England’s potent batting power will come head to head with a Proteas attack determined to show they can still impact an ODI.

If England do get on top of the Proteas’ bowling it will be a tough as for the men in green to match their effort whether batting first or second.

Verdict: England look good money for the win.

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