World Cup 2019, Match 1 - England vs South Africa - Toss Report
England vs South Africa - Toss Report (Credits: Getty)

Red-hot favourites England will kickstart their World Cup campaign today (May 30) when they take on South Africa at the Oval. Both the teams are more than capable of winning the tournament and will be desperate to start their campaigns on a winning note.

No team has won more games than England since the conclusion of the last World Cup. Since 2016, they have scored 400 or more runs in an ODI innings thrice while no other team has scored even once. Since the last World Cup, they have only lost nine of 47 ODIs.

Also Read : ICC World Cup 2019: Match 1, England vs South Africa- Match Prediction 

On the other hand, South Africa have won 13 of their past 16 ODIs, and five series in a row. The likes of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada have been in fine form while Hashim Amla has also found his form back with an impressive fifty in the warm-up game.

Read More  Watch: Rohit Sharma to reclaim MI captaincy? Akash Ambani's animated exchange sparks speculation

Read More: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 2): Pakistan vs Windies – Statistical Preview

Toss report:

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and decided to field first against England in the first match of World Cup 2019.

Here is what the captains said:

Faf du Plessis:

“Going to have a bowl. Early start at the Oval, if there’s anything in the wicket, it’s now. Shamsi, Miller, Morris, Steyn not playing. Steyn’s around 80%. The start of the World Cup. It’s going to be a good one. Ngidi and KG have been exceptional over the last couple of years. Good to see Amla scoring runs in the warm up.”

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Match 2 – Windies vs Pakistan – Dream11 Fantasy League Tips, Predicted XI, Injury Updates

Eoin Morgan:

“Would’ve looked to do the same. Wicket looks really good. It’s set fair all day, shouldn’t change much. Yes, Wood was available for selection. But unfortunately he’s missed out. Archer’s a guy who’s come in and impressed. He’s very calm when he plays. He’s a very exciting prospect. Yeah, the favourites tag sits comfortably. It’s been a collective drive for us.”

Read More  Did Aakash Chopra label Hardik Pandya the worst captain ever? Former Indian cricketer issues a statement on the viral comment

Teams:

South Africa (Playing XI):

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Jean-Paul Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

England (Playing XI):

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.