It’s entering last chance saloon for England at the Cricket World Cup after two losses in their opening three games. Next up on Saturday Morning (09:30) is a massive match vs South Africa at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
England vs South Africa Betting Tips
Both these sides come into this one on the back of absolute shocking losses, some of the biggest the World Cup has ever seen.
England (8/11) were embarrassed by an inspired Afghanistan in Delhi and will be deeply troubled by their inability to play spin over the last 18 months.
That loss means they have lost two of their opening fixtures and now have to start winning against the big boys.
Ben Stokes will be back for this one but whilst he has spoken of not playing with any fear, he isn’t a miracle worker and will need some support from the rest of the batting line up.
As for South Africa(21/20), they suffered an even bigger defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, a side that had several of their ex-players playing for them.
The Proteas were 1/20 to win that match in Dharamshala and will need to rebound here, or find themselves amongst the chasing pack for the top four positions.
Team news
England talisman, Ben Stokes, has declared himself fit to return to the side for this colossal showdown and will probably replace either Sam Curran or Chris Woakes, who have both struggled with both bat and ball.
England (from): Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
South Africa could also be tempted to make changes after the Netherlands loss.
South Africa (from) :Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Selections
South Africa to win – 21/20
Both of these sides clearly carry an enormous amount of firepower but it’s South Africa who look to have the edge with the ball.
England have struggled to bowl sides out in the 50-over format of late and their attack, apart from Mark Wood looks one paced.
Adil Rashid creates problems in the middle order but perhaps is not the mystery spin bowler he once was.
Meanwhile, South Africa have a fine opening attack and good spin options. I’m taking them to do more damage than the England equivalents do and leave the champions needing a miracle.
Kagiso Rabada top SA wicket taker – 13/5
Rabada is South Africa’s leading wicket taker at this tournament with seven and has been one of the best opening bowlers in the world for some time now.
With Jonny Bairstow looking vulnerable and Joe Root in a dip in form, I think he could be a difference-maker here.
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