Image copyright: Getty Images
England tour of South Africa
One Day International Format
1st ODI
South Africa v England
Mangaung Oval
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Friday, 27 January 2023
South Africa will turn their attention to the white-ball format after a disappointing Test series in Australia when they face England in the
first ODI at the Mangaung Oval on Friday, January 27.
New head coaches Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter must pick up the pieces after the Proteas were steamrolled 3-0 by the Aussies following a poor performance with both bat and ball.
The Test series defeat came just one month after South Africa crashed out of the 2022 T20 World Cup at the group stages, which was Mark Boucher's final contribution before he stepped down.
Test coach Conrad will oversee the three-match ODI series against the English as Walter's tenure only officially begins on February 1.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Temba Bavuma will continue to captain the team in the limited-overs format despite an underwhelming T20 World Cup and he will be under intense pressure to deliver as the Proteas seek to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in India.
SA are currently 11th in the ODI Super League and they need to win three of their next five matches to finish in the top eight, which guarantees automatic entry into the tournament.
Sisanda Magala has been recalled to the squad after returning to fitness, with SA convener of selectors Victor Mpitsang delighted to welcome the fast bowler back to the fold.
"We are confident that this group of players will take us one step closer to qualifying for the ICC Men's World Cup in India later this year," Mpitsang said.
"We are also pleased with the inclusion of Sisanda and the commitment he has shown to meet the fitness standards required for national selection.
"The three-match series against England will kickstart our international home season following months on the road, and we would like to wish Temba and Shukri well in what will no doubt be an exciting series against quality opposition."
England closed out 2022 on a high as they followed up their T20 World Cup triumph in Australia with a 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan in December.
The reigning ODI world champions received a welcome boost for the tour to South Africa with the return of Jofra Archer after an almost two-year absence.
Archer last featured on the international stage in March 2021 and has since been struggling with elbow and back problems.
However, the fast bowler - who was England leading wicket-taker at the 2019 World Cup - is working his way back to full fitness and will likely make his comeback in Bloemfontein.
"I'd rather take these last few months very seriously, more serious than probably all of the rehab," Archer said.
"Because once this phase goes right, then it can set me up for the next three to four years injury-free. That's the goal right now."
Former Test skipper Joe Root is a noticeable absentee from the 14-man squad after he signed to play for the Dubai Capitals in the International League T20.
Head-to-Head (ODI)
Matches - 66
South Africa - 31
England - 29
No result - 5
Tied - 1
ODI Team Rankings
1 - England
6 - South Africa
Bet on local and international cricket
Bet on all international and local cricket action all year round as we bring you the best online cricket betting platform. We offer a variety of Bet Types you can bet on, these include: Match Result, Team with Top Batter, Will there be a tie, Top Bowler, Coin Toss, Any Player to Score a Milestone, Total Runouts. Join Betway now & bet on cricket.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.