England vs South Africa, 1st ODI Betting Preview
England and South Africa begin their three-match ODI series on Tuesday the 2nd of September at Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Both sides enter this series off the back of contrasting but eventful months, with England looking to rebuild momentum after a turbulent early 2025, and South Africa riding a strong run of results. This opener promises to set the tone for an exciting contest between two sides with plenty to prove and we have a look at the game from a betting angle.
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ENGLAND
England return home following a challenging winter campaign. Their tour of India in February ended in disappointment, with three straight defeats capped by a heavy 142-run loss in Ahmedabad to end the series. The Champions Trophy offered little in terms of good form, as England slipped to a group stage exit with defeats to Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
However, the summer brought renewed energy. A 3-0 clean sweep over the West Indies showcased glimpses of their batting firepower and depth, with Joe Root and Ben Duckett leading the charge while the bowling attack looked sharp on home wickets.
Harry Brook will lead an England side in transition, blending experienced anchors like Root with emerging talents such as Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. With Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid spearheading the bowling, the English will be eager to prove their Champions Trophy woes were a blip rather than a sign of decline in performance.
England ODI Squad: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa arrives in Leeds full of confidence after a series win in Australia earlier this month. The Proteas outclassed the hosts in Cairns and Mackay, winning by 98 and 84 runs before losing the dead rubber. That followed an impressive Champions Trophy campaign, where they thumped Afghanistan by 107 runs and cruised past England with a 7-wicket win, before falling to New Zealand in the semis by a 50-run margin.
The Proteas batting continues to revolve around captain Temba Bavuma and vice-captain Aiden Markram, with Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs providing additional firepower. On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi offer world class pace, while teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka continues to develop into a genuine strike option.
Consistency remains the big question, but their recent results suggest South Africa are finding the right blend of youth and experience.
South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
South Africa have won 4 of their last 5 meetings, with action dating back to the beginning of 2023. The last time they clashed in a 3-game series was across January/February 2023 where South Africa picked up a 2-1 victory away from home. They then met in the 2023 ICC World Cup where the Proteas comfortably dispatched the English to win by 229 runs and their latest action, saw them cruise to a 7-wicket win over England at the Champions Trophy in Karachi earlier this year.
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BETTING – click here to bet
England 1.62
South Africa 2.40
SUGGESTED BETS
Top England Batter – Joe Root at 3.25
Back on home turf, Root is England’s most reliable run scorer. His ability to rotate strike and anchor the innings makes him a strong choice for top batter in Leeds.
Top South Africa Bowler – Kagiso Rabada at 2.70
Rabada’s pace and control with the new ball makes him one of South Africa’s biggest weapons. Against an England top order that has shown early vulnerabilities, he looks a strong pick for top wicket taker on Tuesday.
Note: All odds are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
