Cricket

England v South Africa ODI Series Predictions & Tips (2025)

3 weeks ago

| BY Sam Cox

The international summer took a hiatus for The Hundred, but the men’s team are back in action with a three-match ODI series against South Africa.

Starting on Sept. 2, the series begins in Leeds before stops at the Home of Cricket, and Southampton’s Utilita Bowl – with cricket betting fans set to be treated to a feast of action.

South Africa, coming off a 2-1 ODI win in Australia, have Kagiso Rabada in their squad after he missed the series down under. England have a mix of experience and youth, with Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, and Sonny Baker filling the latter category.

Since Harry Brook replaced Jos Buttler at the helm, England have tried to refresh their squad. Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt have been left out once again as preparations ramp up for the World Cup early next year.

Jofra Archer’s workload is going to be monitored very carefully ahead of this winter’s Ashes. The same goes for Brydon Carse. Gus Atkinson, a guarantee to be in England’s XI for the First Test in Australia, has been left out altogether.

BazBall Comes to White Ball

The carefree, attack-first approach of Bazball has been introduced to England’s white-ball setup. Brook, who has played some of the most destructive Bazball knocks in Test cricket, seems like the right man to represent this new era of 50-over cricket.

After a shambolic Champions Trophy, England smacked 400 against the West Indies earlier this summer, which was followed by a pair of impressive run chases.

All of the batters scored runs. The destructive lower-order hitting of Will Jacks was particularly noteworthy – he has cemented himself as the long-term Moeen Ali replacement and made it much more difficult for England to pick Ahmed in this series.

The pace attack is a work in progress. Baker could nail down a spot if he carries over his form from The Hundred. Jamie Overton still has plenty to prove at international level.

South Africa’s Credentials

South Africa beat England and Afghanistan to reach the last four of the Champions Trophy. In true South African fashion, they were beaten comfortably by New Zealand in the semis, despite a historically quick century from David Miller.

It proved to be Heinrich Klaasen’s last international match. Miller has been left out of the ODI squad, as has Marco Jansen, who will join up with the team to play in the three T20s later this summer.

South Africa’s bowling attack held Australia under 200 in the first two ODIs of their recent series but conceded 431 in the final match before they were bowled out for 122.

England Clear Favourites

South Africa are a better bowling team than batting team. It’s vice-versa for England. The hosts have far more firepower than the tourists in the post-Klaasen era, and that could prove to be the difference between the sides if these are three flat pitches.

Aside from Adil Rashid, England’s bowling attack is a work in progress. Archer shouldn’t be overexerted. A lot of faith is being placed in Saqib Mahmood.

The balance of England’s side is better than it has been, however, with Jacks, Bethell, and Joe Root providing effective bowling options in the middle overs.

South Africa might be higher in the world rankings, but England have the more talented squad overall. The hosts will be disappointed if they fail to win this series.