England v South Africa, 2nd ODI, Preview: Hosts Hopes To Hand South Africa Their First Defeat In Eight One-Day Series

May 26, 2017 at 5:41 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
England v South Africa, 2nd ODI, Preview: Hosts Hopes To Hand South Africa Their First Defeat In Eight One-Day Series

England will threaten to squash South Africa’s impeccable ODI record of eight straight series wins when the two take on each other at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton for the second ODI on Saturday (May 27th).

Underperformance in the opening game of the three-match series would now cost some reputation for South Africa if they do not resurrect on time.

Before the start of the series, South Africa was anticipated to put England through an Acid Test but the role seems to have got reversed now as the challengers are facing the heat at the moment.

England looked in great form and will start out as the automatic favourites to win. The Proteas, after exposing their vulnerabilities, will be forced to deal with the pressure of saving the series and avoid humiliation ahead of the highly important Champions Trophy.

Team Composition:

Ben Stokes’ fitness will be a concern for England. The all-rounder took about half hour off the field during the first game and did not bowl after returning, raising concerns about his fitness. Morgan will pray that the fitness report which will arrive on Friday evening will be a positive for the team’s sake.

The playing XI might see a good shake up if he fails to recover. Moeen Ali may lose his place as Morgan may not go with two spinners in the absence of Stokes who provides a seam option. Right-arm seamer Jake Ball or left-arm swing bowler David Willey may get a chance, therefore.

The all-rounder’s absence would also mean that an extra batsman would be required. In that case, the in-form Jonny Bairstow would be the first choice. Sam Billing the only specialist batsman in the squad will be the second in line for a place.

South Africa may not tinker with their XI but will hope for a better performance from the middle order. The match at Leeds could have been won had the likes of JP Duminy, Chris Morris and David Miller taken responsibility during the chase.

The bowlers by now have a good deal of idea of what to expect from the English side for the rest of the series. A decent plan to kerb the onslaught in the last 10 overs can make a whole world of difference for the side.

Predicted XI:

England:

Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes/ Jonny Bairstow (Wk), Jos Buttler, Jake Ball/ David Willey, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood

South Africa:

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phelukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

Related Article
Gary Ballance Likely To Play His 1st Test For Zimbabwe
Gary Ballance Likely To Play His 1st Test For Zimbabwe

Feb 1, 2023, 4:44 PM


Dale Steyn Could Find it Tough to Earn His Spot Back – Faf du Plessis
Dale Steyn Could Find it Tough to Earn His Spot Back – Faf du Plessis

Aug 12, 2017, 10:42 AM


Moeen Ali has Become an Important Sporting Figure in England – Nasser Hussain
Moeen Ali has Become an Important Sporting Figure in England – Nasser Hussain

Aug 11, 2017, 10:48 AM


Keshav Maharaj – The Best South African Spinner for a Long Time: Shaun Pollock
Keshav Maharaj – The Best South African Spinner for a Long Time: Shaun Pollock

Aug 8, 2017, 5:45 PM


England vs South Africa 2017: Nasser Hussain Terms Moeen Ali as England’s Number One Player
England vs South Africa 2017: Nasser Hussain Terms Moeen Ali as England’s Number One Player

Aug 8, 2017, 3:50 PM


Proteas Skipper Faf Du Plessis Backs England To Claim Ashes
Proteas Skipper Faf Du Plessis Backs England To Claim Ashes

Aug 8, 2017, 3:29 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner