ICC World Cup 2019: England vs South Africa-Match details, venue stats, team news & probable XI

After a lot of excitement and anticipation over the past few months, the 2019 World Cup is set to begin tomorrow at the Oval, London. England will host the South African team in the inaugural match of the tournament. Eoin Morgan’s men have the edge heading into the opening game, but the Proteas have the prowess to dominate the home side. Both the national teams would be hoping to open their World Cup 2019 account with a promising victory.

The English Lions have been the most relentless ODI team in the last few years on the back of some consistent performances. With the World Cup being played on their home turf, England are considered as overwhelming favorites heading into this tournament. The hosts possess an explosive batting lineup who can easily score in excess of 300.

However, their bowling attack can be vulnerable on these flat tracks, but this is where Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid will be pivotal for England. The World number 1 ODI outfit will be looking to put it in a clinical performance in the opening game.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be the most unpredictable yet scary side in this World Cup. Faf du Plessis, the skipper, has a great combination of youth and experience in his 15-man squad. With match winners like Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada in their ranks, South Africa can torment any other side on their day.

They have the raw talent in abundance, but it is their temperament and consistency, which will be tested in this long tournament. The Proteas must be willing to clinch their maiden World Cup title and shed their ‘chokers’ tag.

Match Details

Date: Thursday, 30th May 2019

Time: 03:00 PM IST

Venue: Kennington Oval, London

League: ICC World Cup 2019

Live Telecast: Star Network

Online Streaming: Hotstar

Venue Stats

Avg 1st Innings score: 247

Avg 2nd Innings score: 213

Highest Total: 398/5 (50 Ov) by NZ vs Eng

Lowest Total: 103/10 (41 Ov) by Eng vs RSA

Highest Chased: 322/3 (48.4 Ov) by SL vs IND

Lowest Defended: 241/10 (49.4 Ov) by PAK vs Eng

Team News

England

• Mark Wood will feature in the starting lineup while Liam Plunkett can miss this game.
• James Vince, Liam Dawson, and Jofra Archer have been included in the final 15-man squad for the World Cup, while Alex Hales, Joe Denly and David Willey made way for the trio.

South Africa

• Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the tournament following his injury.
• Aiden Markram might start ahead of Rassie van der Dussen for the number-3 spot.

Squads

England

Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

South Africa

Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, Imran Tahir

Key players

England

• Jason Roy
• Jos Butler
• Jofra Archer

South Africa

• Quinton de Kock
• Faf du Plessis
• Kagiso Rabada

Probable Playing XI

England

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (WK), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

South Africa

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram / Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (C), JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

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