South Africa v England 4th ODI: Proteas look to level series
Published:
Simon Sinclair | February 11, 2016
South Africa v England
- Fourth ODI
- Friday, February 12th
- Play starts: 11:30 GMT
- The Wanderers, Johannesburg
- Live on Sky Sports 2
Proteas to set up series decider
South Africa will aim to level the One Day International series against England in Johannesburg following their seven-wicket win last time out thanks to centuries from Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock.
Eoin Morgan’s men put themselves in a strong position for an unassailable 3-0 lead by posting 318 from their 50 overs in Centurion, but the Proteas duo put in an opening partnership of 239 to steer their side towards victory in the third ODI.
However, England will have another opportunity to secure their second series of their tour with a win at The Wanderers, with Coral backing them at even-money.
Root to shine again?
Joe Root notched his seventh ODI international century in the defeat at Centurion, continuing his fine form in South Africa.
The 25-year-old has established himself as England’s premier player in all forms of the game, and is backed at 5/2 to top score for his side again.
Alex Hales hit his third 50 in a row to find his rhythm following a difficult time during the Test series. The opener has solid odds of 7/2 to emulate his match-winning 99 from England’s win in the second ODI.
Morgan has had a lean time during the series and has failed to pass 30, but is backed at 9/2 to lead from the front for his team, while Jos Buttler (6/1) and Ben Stokes (8/1) will also be eyeing big individual totals.
Struggling bowlers
England failed to take a wicket until the 37th over at Centurion and, as a result, world number one Test bowler Stuart Broad has been touted for a return to the lineup after sitting out of the first three matches.
Broad is joint-favourite with David Willey at 10/3 to get the best figures, while leg-spinner Adil Rashid has odds of 7/2 to rediscover his best form at The Wanderers.
Moeen Ali took punishment at the hands of De Kock and Amla after being dispatched for 75 in his 10 overs. However, the all-rounder is backed at 4/1 to rally and skittle the Proteas.
Eyes remain on impressive duo
De Kock and Amla were in imperious form in their side’s seven-wicket win, displaying their class with shots all around the ground.
Both players are favoured at 3/1 to lead the way for AB de Villiers’ men again, while the skipper also has the same odds to put his recent woes at the crease behind him.
Kagiso Rabada was the surprise package of the Test series, finishing as the Proteas’ leading wicket taker with 22 strikes at an impressive average of 21.90.
The 20-year-old claimed the scalps of Hales and Buttler at Centurion, but is backed at 3/1 to rout the tourists, while Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir share the same odds.
De Villiers’ side will need to emulate their performance from the third ODI to keep the series alive heading into the final match and they are slight 4/5 odds-on favourites to set up an exciting finale in Cape Town.
Related
Coral’s top tip: With Broad likely to be called upon, back him at 10/3 to be top England bowler.
