England V South Africa: 2nd ODI – Toss Report – http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 opts to bat first at Southampton
South Africa captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AB-de-Villiers-c887 has won the toss and opted to bat first in the second One Day International of the NatWest series against England, starting shortly at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, today, August 28, 2012.
About his decision to bat first in the day and night encounter, the Proteas skipper said that he was expecting the pitch to assist spinner in the second half of the game.
The hosts are also hoping the spin to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the match and have recalled Samit Patel in place of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Warwickshire-c862 all-rounder Chris Woakes, who is still waiting for a chance to prove his mettle at international level this season, following Friday’s washout in Cardiff.
The English skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026 revealed that they were set to field Woakes today, but the spin friendly conditions in Southampton prompted them to make a last minute change in their playing XI.
The rest of the England squad is the same that played in the rain-interrupted game, on Friday, which means Ravi Bopara has been retained at No. 4, despite his poor form in the county cricket, since returning to action after his “undisclosed” personal issues.
South Africa on the other hand have fielded an unchanged squad from the washed out series opener, which means Dean Elgar, who made his debut at Cardiff last week, will be given another chance to show his skills at the international level.
The opening ODI of the five-match series was washed out after persistent rain meant that only 5.3 overs were bowled. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 ODI rankings.
England 1 Alastair Cook (capt), 2 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ST-Finn-c2566
South Africa 1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LL-Tsotsobe-c1842
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