We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
England vs South Africa, 1st ODI Pitch Report
The average first and second innings scores at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street for the last three ODIs reads 276 and 230 respectively. Only 5 out of 48 wickets belonged to the spinners.
Probable XIs for England & South Africa
Probable XI for England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Craig Overton, David Willey, Brydon Carse, Reece Topley
Probable XI for South Africa: Janneman Malan/Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo/Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj (c), Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Power Players for the Match
Barring the innings of 60 in the final game, Jos Buttler couldn’t do much damage in the India series. However, he has added 342 runs, including the highest score of 162* in his last 5 ODIs. He will also be keeping wickets and will generate fantasy points with the gloves as well.
Jonny Bairstow loves to bat at the Chester-le-Street. In only 4 ODIs, he has smashed 311 runs, including a century and 2 fifties. He averages a whopping 103 at the venue.
Rassie van der Dussen will be a huge wicket for England in this series. Currently, he averages an incredible 71 in the format. His scores in the last 6 ODIs read 129*, 37*, 52, 86, 8*, and 4. Against England, he has added 93 runs in 3 outings.
Over the years, Quinton de Kock has plundered the English bowlers in the format. He has amassed 718 runs at 65, including 3 hundreds and 2 half-centuries. Like Buttler, he will also be donning the gloves. Expect fantasy points galore from this champion cricketer.
Smart Picks for the Match
By picking 9 wickets in 2 ODIs, including the best figures of 6 for 24 against India, Reece Topley made a huge difference in fantasy leagues. It was his disconcerting bounce that pushed the tourists on the back foot.
Joe Root could manage only 11 runs in 3 ODIs against India, but he has scored 594 runs at 45, including the highest score of 125 against South Africa in 12 innings. Additionally, he also got 79* when he last played an ODI at Chester-le-Street in 2021.
David Willey picked only one wicket in the India series but contributed with the bat in all three games. He finished with figures of 3 for 44 when he last bowled at the Riverside Ground in July 2021.
In Kagiso Rabada’s absence, the onus will be on Anrich Nortje to spearhead the South African attack. He has already bagged 22 wickets, including the best figures of 4 for 51 in 12 ODIs.
Ever since the start of the Indian T20 League, David Miller has been striking the ball clean and winning games single-handedly. His scores against England in ODIs read 56*, 11, 71*, and 69*.
Aiden Markram might have scored only 237 runs in his last 10 ODIs, but his ability to anchor the innings, coupled with his golden arm, bodes well for fantasy players.
Also Read:
Ireland vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Fantasy Cricket Tips
India vs West Indies Head-to-Head Stats, Records in ODIs
South Africa’s Bunny
Although Jason Roy can tear apart any opposition, his ODI numbers against the Proteas don’t make great reading. He has managed only 216 runs at 19 in 11 innings.
England vs South Africa, 1st ODI Match Preview
Both sides have locked horns 63 times in the ODIs, out of which South Africa have won 30 and England 28. While the hosts appear superior in the batting department, the visitors boast of a better bowling attack. Although England will be determined to restore pride, post their defeat to India, expect South Africa to come out all guns blazing.
Time: 19 July, 5.30 PM IST
