3 Mainstays To Be Dropped As Ben Stokes & Suprise Package To Greet South Africa
Buttler ahead of ENG vs SA in Mumbai (AP Photo)
In a significant development, it has been understood that the defending champions, England, are not looking to take any half-chances against the third-placed South Africa in Mumbai on Saturday. As per reports, it has been gotten to know that the Jos Buttler-led side has decided to drop three of their mainstay all-rounder - Sam Curran, Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone against an apprehensive Proteas line-up.
The reigning champions, who just lost three matches in the 2019 campaign, have already two games in the ongoing tournament - getting beaten by New Zealand and rookie Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Three Lions are staging a comeback for Ben Stokes, David Willey and Gus Atkinson as reported by a senior English journalist.
On the other hand, the South Africans are also low on confidence as they secured their biggest World Cup defeat when the non-Test-playing Netherlands outfoxed them in Dharamsala. Winning two off three matches, the Temba Bavuma-led lineup is touted as one of the best-looking outfits in this pinnacle tournament, but they would need a victory to get their campaign on track.
Interestingly, the England versus Proteas clash will be played on a newly-polished Wankhede track, which would be full of runs - suiting the style of play for both teams.
It is worth mentioning that Proteas have a 33-30 lead over the opposition in ODIs; however, the English turn into a whole different beast in ICC events as they have beaten the African team four times in the seven times these two have met.
 "Arjun Bhalla")
