World Cup 2019: 3 challenges that South Africa face in their opening match against England

#3 The conditions

The Oval

The weather in London on Thursday is expected to be cloudy and overcast. There are chances of rain, and South Africa will have to adapt to the challenges that come with the prospects of wet or damp conditions.

Their last warm-up match against the West Indies was washed out due to rain. But if they play smartly the way they did in another South Africa vs West Indies encounter during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, they can still make the most of their chances.

Luck has not been on South Africa's side during World Cups, with the team failing to make it to the final even once in their first seven attempts. Other factors aside, rain hampered their chances during the 1992 as well as the 2003 World Cup.

In both the warm up matches played at the Oval, the team batting first failed to cross the 200-run mark. New Zealand and England had a great time against India and Afghanistan respectively, and the team winning the toss would be tempted to bowl first.

South Africa would be aware of all these factors, but adapting to the constantly changing weather and variable factors won't be easy.