The South African team unexpectedly lost an ODI series against Bangladesh at home last March. They were keen to make a strong statement in the opening match of the ENG vs SA 2022 series that they are a well-capable one-day side. Losing regular skipper Temba Bavuma because of an elbow injury was a blow for the Proteas side prior to the series. However, stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj’s team played brilliantly in the series-opening contest and clinched the match by 62 runs. The visiting side is now aiming to seal the series at Old Trafford on Friday.
England vs South Africa 2nd ODI 2022: Match Preview
The second game of the ongoing one-day international series between England and South Africa will take place on July 22 at Old Trafford in Manchester (Friday). The contest is slated to begin at 6 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
South Africa have a solid ODI record at Old Trafford. They have won three in their last four games there. On the other hand, England have a strong record at this venue, winning twenty-seven games while losing fifteen. The Proteas team now leads the head-to-head battle with two victories after three meetings between England and South Africa at this stadium.
Read England vs South Africa Series 2022: Full Fixtures, H2H Records
Overall ODI record between South Africa and England (as on July 21, 2022)
| Matches | England Win | South Africa Win | Tied | No Result |
| 64 | 28 | 31 | 1 | 4 |
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
England
England as a team had a bad outing in the first ODI of the ENG vs SA 2022 series. Bowlers were expensive, and batters couldn’t do their job properly even after a 100-run opening wicket stand. England will need a much improved performance in the second ODI in order to stay alive in the series.
Bowlers need to be disciplined, and not allowing the opposition to construct big partnerships will be vital in the contest. England's openers had a solid start in the first match. However, the English innings started to lose momentum after their departures. England's batters need to be confident against the Proteas spinners and should focus on dominating them in this do-or-die contest.
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Probable Playing XI
Top-Order: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Middle-Order: Jos Buttler (captain & wicket-keeper), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Craig Overton, Lower-Order: David Willey, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
South Africa
The South African side looked more aggressive than England in the first ODI. They tried to dominate the English side and executed their plan properly. Rassie van der Dussen brilliant hundred, Aiden Markram and Janneman Malan’s fifties guided South Africa to put up a big score to defend.
In England’s conditions, bowlers need to be disciplined to defend any total. The Proteas bowling unit was brilliant with their duties and managed to get breakthroughs when needed. The South African side should be prepared for a bigger challenge in the second match as England will attempt to make a strong comeback in the series.
Probable Playing XI
Top-order: Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Janneman Malan, Rassie van der Dussen, Middle-Order: Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Lower-Order: Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
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Manchester’s weather forecast & toss prediction
According to the forecast, Friday in Manchester might see a little light rain. The teams who batted first have won eight of the twelve games over the past five years at Old Trafford, according to statistics. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss may decide to bat first on this ground.
Bottom Line
The Jos Buttler-led England ODI team hasn’t been shown their full potential so far. In addition, all-rounder Ben Stokes' retirement will definitely weaken the squad a bit. However, England have produced plenty of quality limited-overs cricketers in recent years and they will find a suitable replacement for Stokes. The England camp will be eager to see a solid performance from their players in order to level the ENG vs SA 2022 ODI Series.
On the other hand, the South African side is full of confidence after their dominating victory over England in the series-opener. The momentum is currently in South Africa’s favour. It will be a good chance for the Proteas team to clinch the series with a game in hand as England are going through a transitional period.
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