England vs South Africa – First ODI - NatWest Series 2012 – Match Preview
The contest between England and South Africa will move to the limited-overs leg, as both teams will contest the first ODI of the NatWest series at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, tomorrow. Prior to this match, South Africa had secured a thumping 2-0 victory over England in the Basil D’Oliveira Test series, and are currently ranked first in the 5-day format.
England on the other hand, enter the ODI leg of South Africa’s tour to the UK, after putting in a string of impressive performances in encounters with the West Indies, Australia and Pakistan. The English had secured white washes over all three teams in the lead up to this series, which helped them cement the number one ranking in ODI teams. However, the Poms would be handicapped with the absence of Pietersen in the ODI format, due to the ongoing issues between him and the ECB. Probable inclusions for the first ODI could see left-arm spinner Samit Patel, all-rounder Ravi Bopara, medium pacer Jade Dernbach and hard hitting wicketkeeper batsman, Craig Kieswetter.
South Africa would aim to translate their phenomenal Test series performances into the ODI format. They are currently ranked second in the ODI rankings, behind England, and will be captained by AB de Villiers for this leg of the tour. Batsman Francois Du Plessis, seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe and all-rounder Albie Morkel could be probable inclusions for this series.
The pitch and conditions at the Sophia Gardens have historically favored batsmen, yet a lot would depend on the over head conditions on Friday. The forecast for tomorrow’s game predicts light showers with an average temperature of 16 degrees. Prospects for play could thus be clouded.
South Africa enters this series with comprehensive victories over the Kiwis in the recently concluded National Bank Series played in New Zealand. Despite those wins, the Proteas have had issues with death bowling, which was exploited brazenly by Sri Lanka in the last encounter between both sides on home soil. Lonwabo Tsotsobe’s inclusion is bound to boost the South African attack, as his magnificent run of form in the ODI format has helped him get to the top of the rankings. For England, the impressive run of form exhibited by Jonny Bairstow in the Test series would mean that the youngster could prove to be the key player between both teams. Bairstow would be aiming to make his mark in the ODI arena alongside the likes of Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara, who are ODI specialists.
In terms of spin, it is likely that South Africa would resort to Robin Peterson instead of Imran Tahir, after the former’s heroics in the ODI format of late, which include the 2011 World Cup. Peterson’s batting exploits would be a welcome addition to an array of top quality all rounders that South Africa has as its disposal.
With the ODI rankings at stake, it is safe to say that England will start off as favourites after their impressive string of performances in the limited overs format over top quality oppositions. The urge to avenge their thrashing in the Test series with one eye on the ICC World T20 in Sri Lanka, would act as a catalyst to reap significant rewards from this NatWest series against the Proteas. For South Africa on the other hand, this series acts as an opportunity for boosting their ranking in the ODI format and shunning away with the chokers tag before the all important global tournament starts in September.
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