London: The 2019 World Cup opener is going to be a battle between England batsmen and South Africa bowlers here at The Oval on Thursday.
An embarrassing first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup prompted a major rethink of England's approach to the ODI cricket.
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The transformation has been remarkable.
Eoin Morgan's men climbing to the top of the ODI rankings and twice setting a new record for the highest total, which now stands at 481 for six.
Batting has been the basis of their rise in the ODIs, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Morgan and the dynamic Jos Buttler have formed a formidable batting attack.
England in the last 12 months
Matches: 22
Won: 17
Lost: 5
#Defeated SA 2-1 at home in May 2017
South Africa in the last 12 months
Matches: 21
Won: 16
Lost: 5
South Africa, on the other hand, have one of the best fast bowling attacks going into the tournament.
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Their pacers will look to set the tournament opener alight with their fiery pace and accuracy.
Kagiso Rabada will lead the line in injured Dale Steyn's absence. The likes of Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi and Imran Tahir have the calibre to ruin England's party.
South Africa’s bowling attack collectively averages 30.54 since the 2015 World Cup - the best by any side.
So, it will be interesting to watch how the battle between England batsmen versus South Africa bowlers go on.
