Cricket News: England VS South Africa 1st ODI-Rassie Van der Dussen spoils Ben Stokes' farewell match

South Africa started the tour with a 62-runs convincing win. The victory was set up by a magnificent, career-best 133 from Rassie van der Dussen that helped visitor post their highest total of 333/5 in ODIs in England. With the adverse English summer, quality spinners in both teams made all the difference between victory.

After batting first on the hottest day recorded in England, the South African top order stood strong and built good partnerships, pushing South Africa to 295 in 45.4 overs when they lost their third wicket. Rassie van der Dussen stood in two partnerships of 109 and 151 runs with Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram, respectively. A finishing from David Miller took Proteas to their highest total of 333/5 in ODIs in England. 

England had to miss the services of debutant Matthew Potts for the bulk of the innings after feeling the effects of adverse heat conditions, bowling four overs to concede 33 runs.   

"South Africans are used to this weather, but it felt like an oven." said South African opener Janneman Malan. England pitches are usually greener and best for pacers. However, with the rise in heat and temperature, the pitch conditions tend to differ and become more favourable to spinners. With a lack of quality spinners in the English squad, scalping wickets of Proteas became challenging for the hosts.

England started the chase with the best of its capabilities. A 102 runs partnership for the first wicket between Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy put England in a secure position, but they got bowled out at 271 in 46.5 overs. It was the fourth consecutive ODI where England got bowled out without playing 50 overs. South Africans were familiar with the heat condition and used every spin option, and the plan worked for them. 

Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Aiden Markram took five wickets, England's top order. Anrich Nortje destroyed the tail-enders and took the crucial wicket of Joe Root (86), who was moving towards his century. Jos Buttler is having a tough time as a captain because, under his captaincy, England has won just 2 of the seven games played after Eoin Morgan took retirement. 

South African captain Keshav Maharaj said, "Rassie set the tone, and the bowlers stuck to their plans. Full credit to the team. We didn't expect the heatwave in England, but it felt a bit like home."

Manchester will see a great competition as the second ODI will be a do-or-die match for England. England would love to bounce back, avoiding another ODI series defeat at home, while South Africa will put their energy into winning this game and thus the series. A tight battle is under preparation for 22 July.