The first ODI of the series between South Africa and England was unceremoniously called off due to two coronavirus cases present in the visitors' touring party.
The match was already postponed once from Friday to Sunday due to a coronavirus case in the South Africa squad and there was a change in venue from Cape Town to Paarl. But, the repeated incidents of the virus forced the Cricket Board of South Africa to abandon the match leaving the fate of the series hanging precariously.
It is a chance for both sides to start fresh for the second ODI to be held in Cape Town despite the coronavirus scare.
Head to Head
Matches Played- 63, South Africa- 30, England- 28, Tied-1, N/R- 4
Team News
The hosts have an inexperienced squad without the likes of Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada. However, it is a great opportunity to start building a solid team with fresh faces.
England's batting looks solid while they need to get their combination right in the bowling department to ensure that it is fairly balanced in the absence of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Chris Jordan.
Pitch and Conditions
Newlands has a batting-friendly surface and scores above 300 can be expected. The bowlers will rely on even bounce and they will look to take a couple of wickets with the new ball. The dew factor could impact the game in the latter stages of the second innings. The chasing team won both the matches in Cape Town in the recently held T20 series.
Probable Playing XI
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (c), Temba Bavuma/Janneman Malan, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen/ Kyle Verreynne, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje,Tabraiz Shamsi, Pite van Bijon/ Andile Phehlukwayo
England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Sam Billings/ Moeen Ali, Eoin Morgan (c), Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley/ Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Key Battles
Eoin Morgan (Eng) vs Lungi Ngidi (RSA)
Morgan is a vital cog in England's middle-order. He is an aggressive free-stroking player. His power hitting and an uncanny ability to stay calm under pressure make him an asset in limited-overs.
Ngidi possesses raw pace and can keep the batsmen on the back foot with his well-directed short-pitched deliveries. He adds a lot of firepower to the side with his open-chested bowling run-up. He remains a big threat if he is 100% fit.
Rassie van der Dussen (RSA) vs Mark Wood (Eng)
Dussen is neither a big hitter nor a regular boundary collector. He is a very good player of spin and can keep the scoreboard moving by rotating the strike frequently. Though he played only 21 ODI's so far, he averages more than 70 indicating his high level of consistency.
Wood can generate pace above 140 kph and is a hit-the-deck bowler who can get ample movement. He also bowls an accurate line and length and can trick even the best batsman with his deceptive variations.
Prediction
South Africa will heavily depend on a few quality players to come good after a dismal show in the T20 series. England has dominated the limited-overs format for quite some time now and will start as the favorites. The hosts will have to ensure that they stand tall in their home conditions.
Cricwizz predicts South Africa to win the match
