ENG vs SA: England, South Africa look to shrug off upsets to get World Cup marketing campaign again on monitor

Even earlier than the World Cup started, it was presupposed to be among the many marquee clashes of the mega occasion. Not only for the cultural crossover among the many enjoying teams however primarily because of the sheer high quality of the groups.

Add to it the context of the stage of the event and Saturday’s conflict between England and South Africa is probably crucial match of the event which trudges alongside in the direction of the midway mark.

Both the groups have had a forgettable final outing, having been on the dropping aspect in two upsets.

While defending champion England meekly surrendered in opposition to Afghanistan’s spin pack in New Delhi over the weekend, the Proteas crumbled in opposition to the Netherlands earlier this week.

While darkish horse South Africa can nonetheless take coronary heart from having defeated Australia earlier than struggling its first lack of the event in an sudden method, England will likely be underneath extra strain to get its marketing campaign on monitor.

Having been annihilated by New Zealand within the event opener and humiliated by Afghanistan in its final encounter, Saturday’s conflict might effectively be a battle for survival for England. It couldn’t have requested for a greater event than Ben Stokes’ maiden look on the World Cup.

The England all-rounder — who suffered a hip damage through the World Cup warm-up leg in Guwahati and even bowled light off-spin within the nets on Friday as an alternative of his trademark medium-pace — is accessible for choice.

It will likely be attention-grabbing to see England’s composition ought to Stokes return to the aspect.

The Proteas, in the meantime, will likely be banking on Quinton de Kock to attain huge at his happy-hunting IPL (Indian Premier League) venue.

The Wankhede Stadium’s relaid outfield can even face the strict take a look at as the enduring venue hosts its first sport of the event.