South Africa vs England, 3rd ODI, Preview - One final opportunity for Eoin Morgan and Co to retaliate against the hosts

From Quinton de Kock-Temba Bavuma’s sublime batting performances to rain being a spoilsport– the first two encounters of the three-match series has witnessed it all. With hosts South Africa leading the series 1-0, levelling the series will be the solitary objective of Eoin Morgan and Co. After the rain-marred clash in the second ODI, fans will witness the culmination of the three-match series with the third and final ODI being played at Johannesburg.

The Proteas, led by newly-appointed Quinton de Kock, will be in the pursuit of resurgence after going through turmoil since the past few months. In their road to recovery, the South African side flagged off their campaign by registering an emphatic seven-wicket victory in the first ODI.

Joe Denly’s 87-run knock turned futile as De Kock (107) and Bavuma (98) plunged misery on the visitors’ bowling force. The 173-run stand between De Kock and Bavuma dismantled England bowlers to put them under pressure.

The Three Lions were in search of retaliation in the second ODI at Kingsmead. However, a rain-marred match swept England’s hopes of levelling the series. A toothless bowling attack has hampered Eoin Morgan and Co, especially when stalwarts like Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are missing from the squad.

England’s bowling force– led by Chris Woakes– has failed to leave a mark in the absence of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. The defending champions, who are embracing the ODI format since their World Cup triumph, will be eager to level the series after the annihilation in the first ODI of the series.

Team Combination

South Africa

The Proteas are unlikely to carry out any changes from the line-up that has delivered a robust performance so far in the series. Along with skipper Quinton de Kock’s sublime form, the Proteas will also bank on the potential of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller. Tabraiz Shamsi, who dented England’s batting force in the first ODI of the series, will be steering Proteas bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (C & WK), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, JJ Smuts, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Beuran Hendricks, Lungi Ngidi/Bjorn Fortuin, Lutho Sipamla, Tabraiz Shamsi

England

England will be hoping for their hapless bowling force to finally fire off. The visitors will be equipped with the trio of Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and Matt Parkinson. The dilemma of including either Saqib Mahmood or Tom Curran in the Playing XI still prevails. All eyes will be on the opening duo of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow to propel England to an exceptional start.

Predicted XI: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Joe Denly, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Saqib Mahmood/Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Matt Parkinson

Focus will be on

Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Quinton de Kock boasts a phenomenal record against the Three Lions, which he depicted from his ton in the first ODI of the series. Since 2015 no other batsman has amassed more runs than De Kock against England. Apart from De Kock, the Proteas will hope that Temba Bavuma continues his form that he displayed in the first game.

After exhibiting successful batting exploits in the Test series, De Kock will be aiming to finish things off in style for South Africa by steering his side to the series victory. The left-hander boasts an impressive average of 45.27 in 117 ODI including 15 tons and 24 half-centuries.

Joe Denly (England)

After the drubbing in the first ODI, England would be relying on Joe Doenly to deliver a robust batting performance yet again. Denly’s 87-run knock was the prime reason behind England posting a competitive total on the board. Also, the right-hander has the potential to prove handy with the ball as well.

In a Test career spanning over 14 Tests, the 33-year-old has amassed 780 runs including six half-centuries. Denly might end the pursuit of his maiden ton by delivering a match-winning performance in the final ODI.

Head to Head

Played – 60 | Won by South Africa – 29 | Won by England – 27 | Tied – 1 | No result – 4

Stat Attack

280 –Temba Bavuma has mustered 280 runs in 4 ODIs at an impressive average of 70.

0– Joe Denly, who played a sublime 87-run knock in the first ODI, is yet to score his first ODI century.

26:22 – In the 48 matches played so far on this wicket, the chasing team has been triumphant on 26 occasions while the team batting first has won the encounter 22 times.

439 – South Africa hold the record to amass the highest total on this ground against West Indies in 2015.

Broadcast details

TV – Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 8:00 am (local), 1:30 pm (IST)