England vs South Africa Prediction: Visitors fancied again in second ODI

Jamie Pacheco previews the 2nd ODI between England and South Africa at Lord’s, start time 13:00, live on Sky Sports Main Event, as England look to bounce back and level the Series after a disastrous 1^st ODI.   

South Africa look a great bet while there are 11/1 and 14/1 chances worth backing in the England top batsman market.

*You can check out all of our Cricket Odds over at betfred.com

England

An appalling performance in the first ODI is pretty worrying news for England fans. But they shouldn’t have been too surprised because they’ve struggled in this format for a while now.

The bowlers can just about be excused given they had so few runs to defend but the batters are a different matter. Ben Duckett and Joe Root edged behind to good deliveries but Harry Brook’s run-out was schoolboy stuff, while Jos Buttler’s dismissal was one of the worst we’ve seen from him in years. One doesn’t expect much from Jofra Archer with the bat, much less Sonny Baker (on debut) but you would have hoped they’d each survive more than one delivery. They didn’t. Jacob Bethell lasted a couple more, but failed to score.

Brook refused to blame the schedule for the poor performance but there are some tired bodies and minds out there while some of the batters played like they were still in Hundred mode.

This time round England are yet to announce their team but expect changes. I have a feeling Duckett may finally get a rest with Tom Banton coming in for him, though there’s a second possible scenario (see the England top batsman market analysis) which we’ll come to in a minute. The other members of the top six should keep their places.

It will be interesting to see if England are more concerned about getting back in the Series or protecting Archer. If he doesn’t play, Saqib Mahmood could come in for him. Baker had a horrible debut. In addition to that golden duck, he also went at over 10 with the ball. The impressive Josh Tongue could come in for him, though bringing in Jamie Overton instead would lengthen the batting line-up.

South Africa

An excellent display was a reminder this side are very, very good on their day.

Chief destroyer with the ball was Keshav Maharaj, currently the Number 1 ranked bowler in the world in ODIs, who returned figures of 4-22 off just 5.2 overs to pick up the man-of-the-match award.  That did include some cheap wickets off the tailenders, but they all count.  Earlier Wiaan Mulder dismissed dangermen Jamie Smith and Buttler in taking 3-33.

A word on keeper Ryan Rickelton, who had a wonderful game behind the stumps. His catch to dismiss Root was superb, he showed quick hands in his run out of Brook and took a further two catches before a calm 31 not out with the bat. Some player.

Tony de Zorzi is likely to miss out after picking up a hamstring injury while fielding. One of Lhuan de Pretorius or Matthew Breetzke, carrying a minor injury, will come in for him.

Kagiso Rabada also sat out the first match with a niggle so it will be interesting to see if they give him a few more days’ rest given they’re 1-0 up.

Confirmed XI: Markram, Rickelton, Bavuma, de Pretorius/Breetzke, Stubbs, Brevis, Mulder, Bosch/Rabada, Burger, Maharaj, Ngidi.

Pitch and conditions

England will be glad this match is at Lord’s. They’ve won their last four ODI matches here against: Pakistan, India, Australia and New Zealand. And all by big margins.

However, it’s worth noting they batted first on all four occasions so may not feel so confident if they have to chase.

270-275 could be a decent first innings score on a wicket that offers assistance to seam bowlers. There should be no issues with the weather.

England vs South Africa 2nd ODI Odds

South Africa have been cut to 5/4, implied probability of 44.4%. But have they been cut enough?

They were 11/8 ahead of the first one, a price I reluctantly left alone, but so dominant was their performance on Tuesday and so poor were England that we’re a little surprised it’s not a choice affair in the betting.

South Africa were much better in all three disciplines and that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given they spent the last few weeks playing the ever-competitive Australia in two white ball Series, while England’s players were busy bashing it around in The Hundred.

Rabada may or may not play here but if he does, it would be a further boost to their chances. The Proteas are a sold bet, either way.

England Top Batsman

Duckett may keep his place and if he doesn’t, it may go to Banton. But there’s another possibility. That Will Jacks- who showed good form in The Hundred including a match-wining knock in the final – opens the batting. If he does, a quote of 14/1 is likely to be cut to about 4/1 before the match even gets underway. Even if he bats down at seven, it’s not inconceivable that he’ll have an outside chance given there’s often something in this wicket and that England could fold like a pack of cards again.

A repeat of the latter would also mean Jacob Bethell may be in business. He hasn’t been in the best form with the bat, but he’s certainly got the talent. He’s 11/1 here and splitting small stakes between the two looks the way to go.

Jamie Pacheco Cricket P/L 2025:

• Points Staked: 90
• Points Returned: 87.72
• Current P/L: -2.28

Jamie Pacheco Cricket P/L 2025:

• Points Staked: 89
• Points Returned: 87.72
• Current P/L: -1.28

Jamie Pacheco predominantly covers Cricket and European Football for us at Betfred Insights. You can check out his Cricket Betting Tips, along with those from the rest of the team, at our Cricket hub page...