England vs South Africa LIVE: Cricket World Cup 2023 reaction as Jos Buttler’s men lose by 229 runs

England suffered another humiliating 229-run defeat against South Africa at Mumbai, which will be hard to come back from and keep any chances of Cricket World Cup semi-final qualification alive.

In Delhi, Jos Buttler’s side were left stunned and contemplating the nature of their 69-run defeat to Afghanistan, who only recently acquired full-ICC member status, and they fell apart again against the Proteas.

The cracks that had been evident in their first two matches became gaping holes, Henrich Klaasen smashed 109 from 67 to take South Africa to just short of 399, as England struggled to take wickets but it was the batting where the match became a disaster.

South Africa ripped through the top order, and other than a prolific record-breaking partnership for the ninth wicket between Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, the next-highest score was Harry Brook’s 17.

It was England’s heaviest defeat in ODI cricket. It is worth remembering that England lost three matches and still qualified for the semi-finals when they went on to win the competition back in 2019, but with India and Australia still to play, it is looking like a difficult task.

Here’s everything you need to know about the cricket World Cup fixture and get the latest odds here.

England vs South Africa

• England take on South Africa in bid to get World Cup title defence on track

• Wicket! de Kock out for 4! ct Buttler b Topley South Africa 4-1

• Van der Dussen 50! South Africa 105-1

• Hendricks 50! South Africa 106-1

• Wicket! van der Dussen out for 60! ct Bairstow b Rashid, South Africa 125-2

• Wicket! Hendricks out for 85! b Rashid, South Africa 164-3

• Wicket! Markram out for 42! ct Bairstow b Topley, South Africa 233-4

• SIX! Klaasen smashes Topley in an expensive over for England, South Africa 306-5

• 100! What an innings, Klaasen flicks Wood for four, South Africa 344-5

• Proteas set England imposing target of 400 to win after brilliant Klaasen century

• Wicket! Malan edges Jansen and the Proteas are well on top at the start of this chase, England 29-3

• Catch! Stokes must walk, Rabada getting down low to claim the vital wicket, England 38-4

• Wicket! Skipper Buttler must walk, Coetzee with an aggressive send-off, England 68-5

• Wicket! Brook given a heavy send off by Coetzee and the review does not help, England 68-6

• Wicket! Rashid out for 10! Coetzee strikes again, England 84-7

• Wicket! Willey out for 12 and a stunning catch from Rabada, England 100-8

• Wicket! Atkinson out for 35, and England suffer 229-run defeat

• South Africa beat England by 229 runs

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:37 , Sonia Twigg

Here is the match report from Mumbai:

England were routed in historic fashion by South Africa as their tortured Cricket World Cup campaign lurched to a new low in Mumbai with their biggest ever ODI defeat.

In desperate need of a big response after their shock loss to Afghanistan last time out, the defending champions plumbed new depths as they were roundly thrashed by 229 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.

Jos Buttler’s decision to field first in sweltering heat and stifling humidity backfired badly as Heinrich Klaasen’s brutal 61-ball century powered South Africa to 399 for seven. England’s reply was wafer thin, 170 for nine in 22 shambolic overs.

In pure numerical terms it represented England’s worst ever ODI performance with the ball, shipping one run more than their previous worst against Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand eight years ago, a new nadir outstripping last year’s 221-run hammering by Australia.

England suffer biggest ever ODI defeat after South Africa claim historic victory

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:34 , Sonia Twigg

Nothing about England’s dismal defeat should take away from the masterclass from South Africa. They batted well and recovered from the loss of wickets.

Crucially they bounced back from a defeat to The Netherlands and stormed to a score of 399, before striking with the ball.

It was an impressive performance and they are looking like a force to be reckoned with at this tournament.

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:32 , Sonia Twigg

England head coach Matthew Mott has just dropped a bomb there. It’s hard to understand why Jofra Archer is out there with the team and getting involved if he will not be considered for selection at all.

They have a travelling reserve, and yet if Topley is too injured to play a further part, they will have to fly one out.

Jason Roy was dropped on the eve of the World Cup having been in the initial squad, it just all feels a bit disjointed.

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:29 , Sonia Twigg

Mott continued: “They will be hurting up there, it’s pretty hard to chat about a game like that, we weren’t in the race after 25 overs, but that was a good partnership at the end.

“I think the spirit is there and they are trying hard.”

On Topley’s injury: “We’re still waiting on that but it’s very much looking like a break and we will, Jofra is not going to be considered for selection and he will not play a part in this campaign.”

Mott confirms if Topley is injured then a replacement will be flown out.

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:27 , Sonia Twigg

Mott continued: “We will definitely look back on reflect on it, having someone at seven who can really influence the match like a Livingstone or an Ali has been a gameplan.

“These are the sort of games we’ve got to learn from, we’ve been backed right into a corner, and we’ve got to win every game from here on in, net run rate is basically a non-event for us, we have to win all our games and this is not a position we want to be in.”

“There’s no doubt we’ve come into this World Cup with less practice in chases and less practice in white ball cricket.”

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:24 , Sonia Twigg

Matthew Mott to Sky Sports: “I can’t sugarcoat it. On reflection, I think the heat was more than we bargained for.

“I thought we were in control of the powerplay pretty well but it spiralled out of control after that.

“Hindsight is great but we went out in that powerplay to do a job and we were on our way to doing that but it spiralled out of control at the end there.

“If we got a couple more wickets we could have restricted them.”

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:23 , Sonia Twigg

Markram signs off his post-match interview by wishing the Springboks all of the best tonight in their Rugby World Cup match against England.

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:21 , Sonia Twigg

Aiden Markram on whether he was surprised to be put in: “Slightly. We were going to bat first. But happy it worked out the way it did and it helped us a lot that our big quicks weren’t out there baking in the sun.

On Klaasen: “He’s come a long way and it’s fantastic to see him showcase his ability that we’ve always known that he has and to play like this today is massive for him.”

South Africa beat England by 229 runs

16:19 , Sonia Twigg

Jos Buttler: “Incredibly disappointing, we came here hoping to play our best cricket and were resoundingly beaten.

“I think throughout the first innings lots of things didn’t quite go to plan, we started nicely and then Reece (Topley) picked up that injury, a couple of guys struggling with the heat and the boys fought hard, but I thought if we could have restricted them to 350.

“Yeah potentially. you always look back and reflect on the decisions that you made and it was incredibly tough with the conditions...potentially we should have batted first with the heat.”

On whether the first 50 overs affected form with the bat: “We needed to get off to a really good start chasing a score like that, a couple caught down leg side and that feels you feeling like the writing is on the wall a bit.

“We have to win every game and that’s the situation we find ourselves in.”

Wicket! England lose by 229 runs

16:03 , Sonia Twigg

Wood finds another boundary from Maharaj, flat-batted over extra cover, and follows it up with another 6, this is a record ninth-wicket partnership for England in the Cricket World Cup and the one bright spark of the entire innings.

A dot ball and another six, this is an absolute masterclass in power hitting from Mark Wood.

He has found the middle of the bat so well here, that six was 85 metres back.

Excellent fielding from Rassie van der Dussen prevents another boundary and Atkinson is out next ball for 35.

That will be that, Topley will not want to risk his injury after being hit on the hand earlier.

England 153-8 (21) Atkinson 35, Wood 26, Rabada 1-38 (6)

15:58 , Sonia Twigg

Atkinson dropped! There were three guys under it and it was dropped and struck Andile on the arm.

The next one is hit over the top by Atkinson. Rabada slows it up and has another four, England are closing in on 150...

This partnership is by far the biggest of the innings and has passed 50 and England have hit 150!

England 135-8 (20) Atkinson 17, Wood 26, Maharaj 0-8 (1)

15:54 , Sonia Twigg

Atkinson reverse-sweeps for a single! And Mark Wood follows that up with another massive six, straight out of the middle and his third six so far.

England 125-8 (19) Atkinson 16, Wood 17, Ngidi 2-26 (5)

15:50 , Sonia Twigg

Ngidi fires one down leg side and England are creeping towards 120 runs here...

Atkinson drives down the ground for four and this will be the 120. At one point it looked like they could be bowled out for 80 so I guess every small run counts.

De Kock chases after a catch and spills it, Atkinson and England have another run.

England 118-8 (18), Wood 16, Atkinson 11, Jansen 2-35 (5)

15:45 , Sonia Twigg

Wood goes for a big hit down the ground and why not? Any run is something.

The fast bowler is off the mark with that four, and follows it up with a six that just dropped over the rope and out of the reach of the sprinting Aiden Markram.

After that Wood was dropped by Hendricks, pulled straight at him and just put down, that might be the first and only stroke of luck England have had this innings.

And he follows it up with another six.

England 101-8 (17) Atkinson 10, Wood 0, Ngidi 2-19 (4)

15:40 , Sonia Twigg

England are just hanging on here and it feels like only a matter of time, this could be the heaviest defeat ever in a World Cup, and from the defending champions as well.

Wicket! Willey out for 12, England 100-8

15:36 , Sonia Twigg

Willey launches a six to bring up the 100, every run will help the net run rate here and that was a massive 91-metre six!

But he is caught next ball by a stunning diving catch from Rabada at mid off.

Splice of the bat, Willey tries to hit again and Rabada has run and dived to get that.

England 94-7 (16) Willey 6, Atkinson 10, Coetzee 3-35 (4)

15:33 , Sonia Twigg

Atkinson hits a first-ball four, he can bat a bit even though is in the England team as a bowler.

The big question for the meantime is can England get over 100.

Atkinson has 10 from the over.

Wicket! Rashid out for 10, England 84-7

15:29 , Sonia Twigg

Rashid chases a wide one and it’s caught by Hendricks at slip, it flew and it was a good catch.

England 84-6 (15), Willey 6, Rashid 10, Rabada 1-20 (5)

15:28 , Sonia Twigg

There will be time in the future for discussions over net run rate or England’s chances, but this has been utterly humbling.

Questions will be raised over whether having won the toss England should have chosen to bat, what went wrong etc...but all the two out in the middle can do is bat as long as they can and try and make this as respectable a defeat as possible.

England 81-6 (14) Willey 6, Rashid 7, Coetzee 2-25 (3)

15:24 , Sonia Twigg

Nasser Hussain insists England have to keep fighting, and there is a nice four from Rashid in that over, but it is starting to become impossible to see any way out of this now.

England have a long way to go to prevent this being their heaviest ODI defeat and it is impossible to see a way for them to win this.

England 74/6 (13.0) - Willey 6, Rashid 0, Rabada 1-17 (4) - England require 6326 more runs to win

15:19 , Jack Rathborn

England 68/5 (11.2) - Willey 0, Brook 17, Coetzee 1-17 (1.2) - England require 332 more runs to win

15:10 , Jack Rathborn

WICKET! Jos Buttler must walk, Coetzee with a tidy delivery.

It has some movement, nipping away and Buttler can only nudge it to de Kock!

The hope of that flurry of boundaries, just going four, four, six in the over before, is shortlived.

Coetzee shows Buttler where to go, an arrogant pose and stare towards the England skipper.

Surely this is just about salvaging some pride? South Africa dominant.

England 38/4 (8.1) - Buttler 0, Brook 6, Jansen 1-1 (1.1) - England require 362 more runs to win

14:53 , Jack Rathborn

It's all going South Africa's way, Stokes gone for five, off eight deliveries, and he cracks one back towards Rabada.

The Proteas bowler gets down low, grabbing the ball firmly, it's stunning.

Stokes tosses his bat into the air, twirling in the night sky, a look of a man who knows the game is up for England.

In comes Jos Buttler, South African running riot here.

England 29/3 (6.0) - Stokes 0, Brook 5, Jansen 2-13 (3.0) - England require 371 more runs to win

14:41 , Jack Rathborn

Another wicket, a nick on that from Malan and it’s reviewed, but Jansen has another.

England in all sorts, Ben Stokes the only hope? It’s unfair how much pressure England’s talisman is under.

In comes Brook, you feel this needs to be a huge partnership to even get close to 400.

South Africa can break the back of this chase, Jansen on a hat-trick.

Brook fends it off, but it’s not far away! Jansen is getting some nice shape on these deliveries with a little swing. Brooks grabs four much-needed runs for England, flashed away behind point, he’ll play the shots, as he needs to in this situation.

England 20/1 (3.0) - Root 1, Malan 6, Ngidi 1-11 (2.0) - England require 380 more runs to win

14:23 , Jack Rathborn

A big appeal from Jansen, it’s clipping the stumps, but umpire’s call after Malan swings across the line.

Now then, Bairstow in the groove, immense timing on the turn, pulled to backward square leg for four more runs.

But Ngidi has his revenge, it’s thumped up high by Bairstow... into the night’s sky, but van der Dussen clasps it in the deep.

England down a wicket already, in comes Root.

England 7-0 (1.0) - Bairstow 6, Malan 0, Ngidi 0-7 (1.0)

14:10 , Jack Rathborn

Now then, England underway and Ngidi steaming in, a lovely yorker to Bairstow with the third ball of the over.

The Proteas off to a fine start as they look to limit England early on.

A big swipe across the line from Bairstow and he’s fortunate not to connect, it was wild and out of control, but he needs to gamble here.

Much-needed! Bairstow with the easy flick over midwicket, a maximum and didn’t Jos Buttler’s side need that.

England 7-0 (1.0) - Bairstow 6, Malan 0, Ngidi 0-7 (1.0)

14:10 , Jack Rathborn

Now then, England underway and Ngidi steaming in, a lovely yorker to Bairstow with the third ball of the over.

The Proteas off to a fine start as they look to limit England early on.

A big swipe across the line from Bairstow and he’s fortunate not to connect, it was wild and out of control, but he needs to gamble here.

Much-needed! Bairstow with the easy flick over midwicket, a maximum and didn’t Jos Buttler’s side need that.

England prepare run chase with South Africa setting 400 to win at Cricket World Cup

13:51 , Jack Rathborn

Proteas set England imposing target of 400 to win after brilliant Klaasen century

13:49 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a mammoth task for England, they look spent, Stokes’ face painted a picture.

Just pure exhaustion, sweat dripping down his face and some awareness of the task at hand.

It’ll need a very special innings - maybe two or three - to knock this off and keep their hopes alive.

WICKET! South Africa 394-6 (49.1) - Jansen 74, Klaasen 109, Atkinson 1-55 (8.1)

13:33 , Jack Rathborn

A wicket! But the damage is done, a standing ovation for Klaasen, has he just won the game for the Proteas?

His damage, 109 runs, only taking up 67 balls.

Don’t forget Jansen there too, he’s played a part, a strik rate of almost 179!!

Klaasen goes across and his leg bail is clipped, a tidy yorker from Atkinson, dialled in on leg stump.

South Africa 348-5 (47.0) - Jansen 35, Klaasen 104, Wood 0-76 (7)

13:20 , Jack Rathborn

100! A ton for Heinrich Klaasen and that is one of the finest innings of his career.

Wood is flicked off the pads to deep fine leg, only 61 balls to bring up the century.

Klaasen roars in delight, England unravelling and there are still a couple of overs left, damage limitation? We’re almost beyond that stage.

South Africa 335-5 (46.0) - Jansen 34, Klaasen 90, Willey 0-61 (9)

13:13 , Jack Rathborn

England are exhausted, Willey with a no ball, it’s too high, but it doesn’t matter, Klaasen will gently cut that over the boundary for a six, South Africa rocketing towards 350.

That’s better from Willey to finish the over, back of a length and angling away once more. He hunches over his knees, he’s drained.

But so are the Proteas batters, a vital four coming up overs here.

South Africa 306-5 (44.0) - Jansen 20, Klaasen 81, Topley 3-63 (8)

12:57 , Jack Rathborn

BANG! Jansen with another mighty hit, Topley is bashed to the boundary and the Proteas are picking up precious runs here.

A partnership that has blossomed to 49. It’s humid, it’s sticky, England are floundering a little.

There’s another for Jansen, a baseball swing, that length ball is nailed. And another! 300 up for South Africa and Buttler has a grimace on his face, England are in big trouble now.

SIX! Klaasen with a monster hit now, Topley is getting the treatment, so a maximum and three fours. It was a cutter, on length from Topley, but that is easy power, clattered over long-off and carrying 79 meters.

South Africa 268-5 (41.1) - Jansen 11, Klaasen 52, Topley 3-41 (6.1)

12:44 , Jack Rathborn

That’s a gorgeous sweep from Klaasen, he’s timing Rashid well now.

He’s there, on 47, and keen to get the Proteas home with Jansen.

262/5... nine more overs, can South Africa touch 350?

Now Topley to steam in, battling through the pain, can he finish this off for England and secure an attractive total to chase?

Not a good start, that’s 50 up for Klaasen, driven hard through the off side. Super shot!

Wicket! Miller out for 5! ct Stokes b Topley South Africa 244-5

12:26 , Jack Rathborn

Topley to Miller... OUT!

England have another, after Willey was left rolling on the turf in agony, cramp in his calf, fortunately, as he gets up and laughs off the pain.

But Topley has a fifth for England and the Proteas are stumbling a little here.

It’s swatted straight to the bucket-like hands of Stokes at mid-off, the ball from Topley was full and dangled outside off, but the connection off the toe has cost him.

South Africa 239-4 (36), Klaasen 40, Miller 1, Willey 0-43 (8)

12:20 , Sonia Twigg

Willey continues against the new batter. It was an ideal time to break the partnership which had just crept up to around 70 runs.

Stokes did well to stop that in the field but looked to be hobbling slightly after that dive.

The last ball is wide and flashed away for four and Willey has cramp.

Wicket! Makram out for 42! ct Bairstow b Topley South Africa 233-4

12:13 , Sonia Twigg

Topley is back for the first time since the seventh over, and concerningly starts with a wide.

He has strapping on the finger but it was clearly bothering him before when Root had to finish his fourth over.

It improved from then and South Africa were limited to singles until the final ball of the over when Topley struck!

Markram looked to score off that and Bairstow did well to run around, took the catch and lost his footing but kept ball in hand and managed to avoid the boundary rope.

South Africa 227-3 (34) Markram 40, Klaasen 32, Willey 0-37 (7)

12:08 , Sonia Twigg

Adil Rashid has gone off and just sitting on the sidelines, that’s concerning as he’s provided the two breakthroughs so far.

The score predictor has shown 364, and that will be a tough ask for England, while the Proteas might be hoping for more.

Just the five from Willey’s latest over, England will need more where that came from.

South Africa 222-3 (33) Markram 38, Klaasen 30, Wood 0-53 (5)

12:04 , Sonia Twigg

After the drinks break South Africa have another boundary, wayward from Wood and just tipped around the corner for an easy boundary off the hip.

It has been an expensive over as far as England are concerned, and South Africa are looking strong and building another partnership.

South Africa 208-3 (32) Markram 33, Klaasen 21, Willey 0-33 (6)

11:57 , Sonia Twigg

Willey does not normally bowl in the middle overs, and he has started his sixth with a wide.

The ball looks bashed, but it has actually been an okay over from Willey, five runs from it.

South Africa 201-3 (31) Markram 31, Klaasen 19, Wood 0-39 (4)

11:50 , Sonia Twigg

Drop! Malan has technically dropped that although that has been absolutely smashed by Markram.

I’m not even sure he’s tried to catch it or just duck his head out the way and put his hands up to protect his face!

Absolutely smashed! Wood has then been driven for a boundary.

A single brings the 200 up and South Africa will be pretty happy with their position here.

South Africa 192-3 (30) Markram 28, Klaasen 13, Rashid 3-37 (7)

11:45 , Sonia Twigg

Topley is back on the field and if he can keep bowling as well as he did at the start of the innings that could change the course of momentum here.

England would like another couple of wickets just to dent South Africa’s ability to pile on the runs with just over 20 overs remaining.

South Africa 189-3 (29) Markram 26, Klaasen 12, Atkinson 0-29 (5)

11:42 , Sonia Twigg

Atkinson goes for successive boundaries which is just what England did not need.

Topley has been seen wandering around, he has not been on the field since the 7th over but could have recovered enough from a blow to the end of his finger to come back on here.

South Africa 178-3 (28) Markram 15, Klaasen 12, Rashid 2-34 (6)

11:38 , Sonia Twigg

That was a good over from Rashid who looks like he is struggling out there, but England need his experience and skill.

Rashid’s pace has slowed, but that has just given Klaasen time to play a reverse-sweep for the final ball of the over.

South Africa 165-3 (26) Markram 13, Klaasen 1, Rashid 2-26 (5)

11:31 , Sonia Twigg

Back to back good overs and a key breakthrough. Both in players are out and England have two new batters to go for.

Wicket! Hendricks out for 85! b Rashid South Africa 164-3

11:27 , Sonia Twigg

Rashid and the googly strike! Hendricks has been completely done by that ball!

He offers hardly any shot and plays on to his stumps.

South Africa 163-2 (25) Hendricks 85, Markram 12, Atkinson 0-13 (3)

11:24 , Sonia Twigg

After Root’s last over went for 16, Buttler has decided to make a change and Atkinson returns.

That was an excellent over and just what England needed, just two runs from it.

South Africa 161-2 (24) Hendricks 84, Markram 11, Rashid 1-24 (4)

11:20 , Sonia Twigg

There is a hint of drift from Rashid and a bit of turn.

A miss-field from Bairstow allows a single, the run itself is not costly but given the platform the Proteas are on England cannot afford to let missfields creep into their performance.

South Africa 156-2 (23) Hendricks 81, Markram 9, Root 0-48 (6.1)

11:17 , Sonia Twigg

Hendricks has smashed Root over wide mid off for six, that is a huge hit and has gone a long way back into the stands.

Root being England’s sixth choice and second spinner was a big call from Buttler and so far has not been paying off.

And two balls later he does exactly the same again to move on to 80. Two big sixes in the over.

16 from the over.

South Africa 140-2 (22) Hendricks 66, Markram 8, Rashid 1-19 (3)

11:14 , Sonia Twigg

Rashid goes for one boundary that over and seven runs come from it, England will be looking for another breakthrough, but it is a more comfortable position than it looked before the second wicket.

South Africa 134-2 (21) Hendricks 61, Markram 7, Root 0-32 (5.1)

11:10 , Sonia Twigg

Root has continued, there’s a boundary from the third ball of the over, and otherwise the Proteas are able to score from all but one ball from the over.

South Africa 126-2 (20) Hendricks 59, Markram 1, Rashid 1-13 (2)

11:09 , Sonia Twigg

The wicket brings stand in captain Aiden Markram to the crease. Root goes in to slip, England are on the hunt for another...

But he drives down the ground for a single to get off the mark.

Wicket! van der Dussen out for 60! ct. Bairstow b. Rashid, South Africa 125-2

11:05 , Sonia Twigg

That was just what England needed! A big top-edge off Rashid and Bairstow holds on, a hint of spin and Buttler’s side have the breakthrough they desperately needed.

South Africa 123-1 (19), van der Dussen 59, Hendricks 58, Root 0-24 (4)

11:03 , Sonia Twigg

There are easy singles coming from Root’s over, every delivery of that one has gone for a run, but remarkably it’s still less expensive than everything happening at the other end.

South Africa 116-1 (18) van der Dussen 56, Hendricks 55, Rashid 0-10 (1)

10:59 , Sonia Twigg

Rashid has been brought into the attack for the first time today, and he goes for a four first ball.

It will be interesting how he bowls considering the commentators have been discussing how he has not felt well and spent some time off the field already this morning.

Another missed length and another boundary, that over has gone for 10.

Hendricks 50! South Africa 106-1

10:54 , Sonia Twigg

Hendricks might have taken 14 balls to get off the mark, but since then he has motored, his half century came from 48 deliveries.

Van der Dussen 50! South Africa 105-1

10:53 , Sonia Twigg

Van der Dussen has played expertly here for his half century, survived when England were on top early on then along with Hendricks has put them back under pressure.

A chanceless half century.

South Africa 104-1 (16) van der Dussen 49, Hendricks 49, Wood 0-30 (3)

10:52 , Sonia Twigg

Wood will bowl his third over now, with both van der Dussen and Hendricks closing in on half centuries.

But he has been driven down the ground back past him as he fell over, and van de Dussen moves on to 48. Slightly too full and at that pace there is no need to do anything more than time the ball.

Hendricks smashes a six final ball of the over to move on to 49.

South Africa 91-1 (15) van der Dussen 43, Hendricks 42, Root 0-15 (2)

10:44 , Sonia Twigg

Bairstow has fumbled the ball in the field, allowing South Africa a single. There’s a four next ball and the runs are starting to flow here.

Just the one boundary from Root’s over, and that will be drinks.

A quick recap of the innings so far: England got off to an ideal start with the wicket of de Kock, but since the opening seven overs South Africa have found the runs easier to come by and started to put Buttler’s side on the back foot.

South Africa 83-1 (14) van der Dussen 37, Hendricks 40, Wood 0-17 (2)

10:40 , Sonia Twigg

Wood continues and he goes for a four first ball of the over.

He has bowled quickly, and has thrown in a bouncer, but Harry Brook has done an exceptional piece of fielding for one that just bounced in front of him, there was a brief moment where it looked like he could take the catch, but it turned into a good stop.

South Africa 76-1 (13) van der Dussen 34, Hendricks 36, Root 0-6 (1)

10:36 , Sonia Twigg

Adil Rashid may not be feeling quite right, but Joe Root bowls the 13th and goes for six singles.

Interesting decision, and he may have to bowl more than expected here.

South Africa 70-1 (12) van der Dussen 33, Hendricks 31, Wood 0-10 (1)

10:32 , Sonia Twigg

Wood has been brought on for his first over, and he has gone for a boundary second ball of the over.

The one thing that has been the case throughout this World Cup is that pace can often be expensive, you only have to look at Haris Rauf from Pakistan’s figures for that.

And there’s another one that takes Hendricks on to 31.

10 runs from Wood’s first over and despite claiming that early breakthrough, it’s starting to look like England need to break this partnership.

South Africa 60-1 (11) van der Dussen 28, Hendricks 26, Atkinson 0-11 (2)

10:29 , Sonia Twigg

It was a good comeback over from Atkinson after a slightly shaky start.

Just the one run from it and he looks to have settled into a rhythm.

South Africa 59-1 (10) van der Dussen 28, Hendricks 25, Willey 0-27 (5)

10:24 , Sonia Twigg

Willey has started to be expensive here after a tight start. England will be wanting to find another breakthrough, but there will be a touch of relief that that has brought up the end of the powerplay.

South Africa 49-1 (9) van der Dussen 27, Hendricks 16, Atkinson 0-10 (1)

10:17 , Sonia Twigg

Gus Atkinson will bowl for the first time in this tournament, in only his fourth ODI, and he makes Hendricks uncomfortable first ball of the over.

But the next one has been driven for four. It has been driven straight over the bowler’s head, but only just and that wasn’t far away from being a good catching chance.

That’s another 10 from the over, I wonder what England are going to do here.

South Africa 39-1 (8) van der Dussen 27, Hendricks 6, Willey 0-17 (4)

10:13 , Sonia Twigg

Willey will bowl his fourth here, and the commentators are just discussing how hot and humid it is which will not be conducive to England.

Willey’s length and line has just got a little wayward, he is hit for a four third ball of his fourth over.

And another boundary comes soon after, van der Dussen is just starting to find his footing and England will want to make sure they keep things tight.

10 runs from that over

South Africa 28-1 (7) van der Dussen 16, Hendricks 6, Topley 1-21 (3.5) Root 0-1 (0.1)

10:07 , Sonia Twigg

It looks like Topley has just caught the end of the finger here trying to field a delivery that just flicked the end of the finger and there’s a brief delay with the physio poised on the sidelines if he’s needed.

There’s a four fourth ball of the over from van der Dussen that will be welcomed by South Africa but Topley might be a bit frustrated.

And after that he has called the physio out to have a look at the finger.

It has not helped Topley, and he goes for two boundaries in two balls. This over will be completed by Joe Root. This could be a massive blow to England who will hope he can make a return.

South Africa 18-1 (6), van der Dussen 6, Hendricks 6, Willey 0-7 (3)

09:59 , Sonia Twigg

David Willey has had another solid over with just two from his third.

England will be happy with this start so far, they have the early wicket and South Africa are struggling to find the gaps.

South Africa 16-1 (5) van der Dussen 5, Hendricks 5, Topley 1-11 (3)

09:54 , Sonia Twigg

Willey is then called into action again the first ball of Topley’s third over with a stunning one-handed diving stop at midwicket to prevent a boundary.

The extra bounce of Topley is causing problems.

South Africa 12-1 (4) van der Dussen 2, Hendricks 4, Willey 0-5 (2)

09:50 , Sonia Twigg

Willey goes for his first run from the first ball of his second over.

And Reeza Hendricks finally gets off the mark from his 14rh delivery with a four punched off the back foot on the off side.

South Africa 7-1 (3) van der Dussen 1, Hendricks 0, Topley 1-7 (2)

09:45 , Sonia Twigg

Topley starts his second over with a wide, it’s his second of the day so far, but he has the crucial wicket.

England are finding the right lines and lengths here and the Proteas are struggling to get the ball away.

South Africa 5-1 (2) van der Dussen 0, Hendricks 0, Willey 0-0 (1)

09:41 , Sonia Twigg

Willey has the new ball in his hand from the other end, and is dangerous with the swinging white ball.

Having missed out on selection in 2019, he will want to impress this time around.

He has kept a tight line and length and has not gone for a single run, this match could not have got off to a better start from an England perspective.

South Africa 5-1 (1) van der Dussen 0, Hendricks 0, Topley 1-5 (1)

09:37 , Sonia Twigg

What a start for England! They will have wanted to make an early mark after the defeat to Afghanistan and they have the wicket of the dangerous Quinton de Kock in the first over, a great start from Buttler’s side.

Worth remembering South Africa might also be reeling slightly following their shock defeat to the Netherlands.

Wicket! De Kock out for 4! South Africa 4-1 ct Buttler b Topley

09:34 , Sonia Twigg

Quinton de Kock will take strike as Reece Topley will bowl the first over for England, he was in impressive form against Bangladesh in Dharamshala.

And he is off the mark first ball with a four, but there is a big appeal next ball! England have reviewed a caught behind, but de Kock is unmoved.

But he’s gone! the DRS review showed the ball hit the ground but also the top of the bat and England have their first wicket.

England vs South Africa

09:29 , Sonia Twigg

England vs South Africa

09:24 , Sonia Twigg

The start time is getting closer, and it will be interesting to see how the changes affect the balance of the side.

Kate Cross on Sky said she thought the balance would have been better maintained with Moeen Ali coming in for Liam Livingstone, and I have to admit it does look like a long tail with potentially Rashid at number eight.

England will be hoping they won’t have to use their lower order, but there has not yet been a game in this World Cup where they have not been called upon.

England vs South Africa

09:06 , Sonia Twigg

Aiden Markram explains that Bavuma is out with an illness, he tried to warm up but was not well enough to feature so Reeza Hendricks will be taking his place in the side.

England vs South Africa toss

09:05 , Sonia Twigg

Aiden Markram will lead South Africa today with Temba Bavuma absent.

Joss Buttler has won the toss and elected to bowl says the reason behind it is because Mumbai is “generally a good ground for chasing”.

Three changes for England, Ben Stokes back in along with David Willey and Gus Atkinson for Sam Curran and Chris Woakes.

England vs South Africa

08:52 , Sonia Twigg

One of the main talking points has been Ben Stokes, who is likely to be brought into the side for the first time in the tournament today.

Stokes is set to make an overdue return to the World Cup stage this weekend but he feared his tournament was over before it had even started when he “heard a pop” while training in the gym.

Stokes has missed all three of England’s games so far, with details sketchy about the nature of the hip problem that occurred during the warm-up week in Guwahati.

But the 32-year-old is now primed and ready for a comeback in Saturday’s must-win clash against South Africa in Mumbai and finally free to open up about worries he had sustained a major injury.

Ben Stokes feared his Cricket World Cup was over when he heard his hip ‘pop’

England vs South Africa

08:41 , Sonia Twigg

The main talking point of the morning is going to be selection, with this turning into a must-win match for England to avoid a third defeat after only four matches.

England were grappling with a selection quandary on the eve of their crucial World Cup clash against South Africa, with captain Jos Buttler weighing up Chris Woakes’ role as leader of the attack.

Woakes’ new-ball skills have been a reliable centrepiece of the side ever since their white-ball reinvention eight years ago, but he has suffered an uncharacteristic wobble since arriving in India.

Three loose starts from the usually dependable seamer have undermined England’s efforts so far and an economy rate of 7.5 an over, coupled with two wickets at 67.50 each, tells a concerning story.

England grappling with selection quandry ahead of South Africa World Cup clash

England vs South Africa

Friday 20 October 2023 15:27 , Sonia Twigg

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog of England vs South Africa.

It might only be early stages in the competition, but this is already turning into a must-win clash for the defending champions following their shock defeat to Afghanistan - their second of the tournament so far.

The Proteas on the other hand enjoyed an impressive start to the tournament including a dominant victory over Australia, but also suffered a surprise loss - against the Netherlands.

Both sides will want to bounce back, but from an England perspective, there are a lot of problems to address ahead of the match.