ENG vs SA, ICC World Cup 2019, Toss: South Africa opt to bowl; Morris, Miller benched

ENG vs SA, ICC World Cup 2019, Toss: The Proteas decide to field against England. They have benched Chris Morris and David Miller

England are all set to launch their World Cup 2019 campaign against South Africa on Thursday at the Kennington Oval in London. The World No 1 ODI side have risen tremendously after their unfortunate exit from the 2015 edition when they were knocked out by Bangladesh. After 4 years down the line, they have emerged as one of the strongest contenders of the title with a promising batting line-up comprising of Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, captain Eoin Morgan and the dynamic Jos Buttler. On the other hand, the South Africans get into the event under Faf du Plessis who is leading the side for the first time in an ODI world Cup. They have suffered plenty of heartache in the past, thereby earning the ‘Chokers’ tag. However, there is a sense the Proteas are going under the radar this time around. Toss Update: South Africa have won the toss and they will be fielding first. “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,” said Du Plessis at the toss. England skipper Eoin Morgan said, “We would've looked to do the same. The 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.” Here are the teams: South Africa: 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: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid