South Africa will be back in cricket action on January 27, as the first ODI test against England gets underway at the Manguang Oval. It will be the first of three tests between the nations in the ODI format over the next seven days, as South Africa gear up for the visit of the West Indies at the start of February.
South Africa vs England Odds
The first ODI looks set to be a thrilling encounter between the two nations. England come into the opening test as the clear favourites in the betting with BetXchange, as they are currently available at 11/20. Meanwhile, the hosts are currently the narrow outsiders with the same sportsbook, as they are currently priced up at 15/10.
Latest Team News
South Africa have been in action slightly more recently than England, but the test series against Australia didn’t exactly go to plan. They were beaten 2-0 at the end of the series, but confidence could have been built following a draw in the final test. In the short form of the game, South Africa’s performances have also been slightly concerning, as they lost their previous two in the Super 12 stage at the World T20 World Cup. The most recent of those was a 13-run loss against the Netherlands.
South Africa’s last outing in the ODI format came back in October, as they were beaten 2-1 in the series by India. The hosts got off to a dream start with a nine-run win in the opening clash, but they were subsequently beaten by seven wicket margins in each of the following two ODI test games against India.
Meanwhile, Confidence surrounding English cricket remains at an all-time high at present. They were in excellent form throughout 2022, which saw the nation claim victory in the World T20 World Cup final against Pakistan. That success was quickly followed by a whitewash loss against Australia in the ODI format, but many of England’s top stars were rested for that series.
History was made by the test team before the end of the year, as England picked up a memorable 3-0 series win over Pakistan away from home. The final win that they recorded was an eight wicket success, and that was also the final time that we saw England in action ahead of this series in South Africa.
Head To Head
This will be the 67th match that England and South Africa have played in the ODI format. South Africa boasts the superior advantage, as they have claimed victories on 31 occasions compared to the 29 wins recorded by England. Only one previous match ended in a draw. However, each of the previous four series have been won by England, including a 2-1 success last year.
South Africa vs England Prediction
This will be a fine game of ODI cricket on Friday, and it should be a thrilling series. However, the preference is for England to take the opening match in the series, as they bring a wealth of talent to South Africa for this trip.
