Proteas test England in first ODI after Australian series triumph
South Africa arrives in England with confidence, having won their ODI series against Australia 2-1, although they suffered a heavy 276-run defeat in the final match after securing the series.
Image: AFP
The stage is set at Headingley, Leeds, for the highly anticipated first One-Day International (ODI) between England and South Africa on Tuesday, September 2 2025, starting at 2pm.
This match marks the beginning of a three-match ODI series, followed by three T20 internationals.
Both teams are looking to build momentum, with England in the early stages of preparing for the 2027 50-over World Cup, aiming to recover from three consecutive disappointing global events. South Africa, meanwhile, arrives in the UK fresh off a 2-1 ODI series victory against Australia.
SA’s team selection: Confidence and managed workloads
The Proteas, led by captain Temba Bavuma, are feeling upbeat and confident after their recent success in Australia. Their playing XI for the first ODI includes Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, and Lungi Ngidi.
A notable omission for South Africa is pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who will miss the first ODI as his workload is being managed after an ankle injury kept him out of the Australia series.
As cover for Rabada, uncapped Lions seamer Codi Yusuf has received a late call-up to the squad. David Miller and Donovan Ferreira, both impressive in The Hundred, are part of the T20 squad only; Miller's absence from the ODI series is due to his Hundred commitments clashing with the Proteas' build-up.
England’s team selection: A new face and key returns
England, under the captaincy of Harry Brook, has unveiled a strong XI for the opener. The most significant inclusion is the debut of 22-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker. Baker's rapid rise saw him take nine wickets in seven matches for Manchester Originals in The Hundred, regularly bowling around 145km/h and proving particularly threatening with the new ball.
Captain Brook highlighted Baker's impressive spells against world-class batters like Kane Williamson, David Warner, Steve Smith, and Jonny Bairstow, noting his high pace and skill. Baker, who joined Hampshire from Somerset, also took a hat-trick in The Hundred against Brook's Northern Superchargers.
The England lineup also sees the welcome return of quicks Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, both of whom missed the final Test against India in July.
For Archer, this match will be his first ODI since the Champions Trophy in March. The rest of the XI features established names like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, alongside emerging talents such as Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
South Africa arrives with confidence, having won their ODI series against Australia 2-1, although they suffered a heavy 276-run defeat in the final match after securing the series.
This marked their fifth consecutive series win against Australia. The Proteas also comprehensively thrashed England by seven wickets at the Champions Trophy in March, a match that marked Jos Buttler's last as captain.
England, under Brook, have had success recently, winning all six white-ball matches (three ODIs and three T20s) against West Indies earlier in the summer.
The match conditions in England, with slower and less lively wickets compared to Australia, will present a unique challenge for the Proteas, especially after their arduous 28-hour journey from Australia just six days prior.
This series offers both teams a crucial opportunity to test their mettle and build towards future global tournaments.