England vs South Africa Third ODI Preview – Copybet
England have already lost their three-game series with South Africa after back-to-back defeats in the first two matches.
After their batting let them down at Headingley as they were skittled for 131, it was the hosts’ bowling that was found wanting at Lord’s as they allowed the Proteas to rack up a total of 330/8.
The part-time spin of Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell were particularly expensive, giving up 112 runs from their combined ten overs.
There were some decent knocks in England’s chase, most notably Joe Root and Jos Buttler both hitting 61 and Jacob Bethell’s 58 from 40 balls.
However, this white-ball team have been badly exposed by a decent South African outfit and are aiming to restore some pride with a win in this final game at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
England vs South Africa
Players playing too much cricket is a hot topic at present given the relentless scheduling and one England star who looks in desperate need of a break is Ben Duckett.
After an impressive Test series against India, the opener had a poor season in The Hundred, making just 123 from eight innings, and has only mustered totals of five and 14 in the two ODIs in this series so far.
With one half of England’s opening partnership struggling and with Jamie Smith out first ball at Lord’s last time out, it’s worth siding with South Africa to have the higher opening partnership.
Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton have impressed in the series so far, making 121 before the fall of the first wicket in the first game at Headingley and putting on 73 for the first wicket in the second game.
England vs South Africa
One of the few bright spots for England from this series has been the performances of Jofra Archer, who bowled five overs for just eight runs in the opening match before taking 4/62 at Lord’s in the second.
With the other members of Harry Brook’s bowling attack failing to make an impact, it’s worth taking Archer to repeat and be England’s top bowler once again in Southampton.