This fixture is not mentioned when famous ODI rivalries are discussed. Not as if that matters. England and South Africa have quietly been at each other since the two first met in 1992. It was the World Cup, and England were the winners in the league match as well as in the semi-final, which ended with the scoreboard famously showing ‘South Africa need 22 runs off 1 ball’.
It’s been somewhat even stevens since. England are 4-3 ahead in World Cup duels. South Africa lead 33-30 in all games, with onetiedand five not completed. Considering that and the unexpected results seen in the competition already, it’s not wise to pick a favourite. Temba Bavuma’smen are ahead on form, but Jos Buttler and boys are more than capable of turning the tables. Both teams looking for a win after shock defeats adds another dimension to this match.
There is no doubt England are under greater pressure. One win and two defeats means another setback will not rule them out. They had made it to the semi-finals in 2019 as the third-placed team with three losses and six wins. But things have changed in four years. Another loss,and all must-win games after that will make it tough for the defending champions to progress.
The return of Ben Stokes will be huge for them and boost their strength in both departments.“Ben trained really well last night,” said Buttler on Thursday. “It’s great to see him back. He obviously brings a lot on the field and with his presence and leadership skills as well as someone who is always good to turn to. So, he adds a lot of value.”
The bowling could be a concern for England, especially against a South African batting unit firing on all cylinders. Reece Topley, who was brought back after the opening defeat against New Zealand, is the only one to have made an impact. Sam Curran and Chris Woakeshave gone for plenty, and Mark Wood has been ineffective. The spinners have not shown any sign of sting either. It has to be seen if Stokes makes a difference.
This is the first match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. It is known to offer even bounce, which should excite stroke-players. South Africa have a battery of them in their top six. They had a quiet last match against the Netherlands. This is a chance for Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and others to redeem themselves. There is a lot of firepower in that line-up.
South Africa are comparatively better off in bowling resources as well. Kagiso Rabadais extracting life from flat surfaces and taking wickets. Lungi Ngidi is playing a good supporting role. Keshav Maharaj is doing a tidy job with his left-arm orthodox spin. If Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee improve their economy rates, this is an enviable attack.
England’s batters have their task cut out. Barring Joe Root to an extent, the others have failed to carry on after getting starts. Opener Jonny Bairstow and Buttler, the captain,have not fired. Going for big shots after losing wickets, their players have invited pressure on themselves at times. Once again, a lot will depend on how Stokes fares after returning from injury.
Time and Venue Details
October 21, 2:00PM. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Expected Conditions
There was a cyclone threat. But it has changed direction. It will still be cloudy. Rain is not ruled out. The pitch usually offers even bounce and facilitates tall scores. Fast bowlers get some encouragement too.
Possible XIs
England:Ben Stokes should return, even though his replacement Harry Brook made 66 in the last match.
Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c,wk), Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
South Africa:They have to decide whether to bring in Tabraiz Shamsi’s left-arm wrist-spin.
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller,Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
Match-ups
SA batting vs Topley: The left-arm seamer has been the lone England bowler to earn respect so far. Against a bunch of South Africans known to cut loose, his performance will be vital.
Rabadavs Stokes: The hero of England’s 2019 campaign missed the first three games. Rabada is bowling first change and he is more than a handful for left-hand batters. This will be a key contest.
Match Speak
“We have pace in both attacks and both teams like pace on the ball as well. So it should be a really fascinating contest. You always expect tough a challenge when you play against South Africa.” – Jos Buttler, England captain.
“We need to be a bit more clinical in terms of how we go about it. It’s about refocusing, restructuring and realigning. We have done some really good work thus far and it’s about building on those positives. The boys were hurt after the last game.” – Keshav Maharaj, in select media interaction with the South African media.