The first ODI between England and South Africa is being played on 2nd September 2025 at Headingley, Leeds. This match is part of a three-match ODI series. In this article, you will get details about the pitch report, weather conditions, team news, and match prediction.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Headingley is considered balanced for both batters and bowlers.
- At the start, fast bowlers are likely to get good help due to swing and bounce.
- In the first few overs, the ball moves quickly, giving pacers a chance to take early wickets.
- As the match progresses, the pitch becomes slower, and batting gets easier.
- Spinners may also get some assistance in the middle overs, helping them control the game.
The average first-innings score here is around 228 runs, which shows that big totals are rare at this ground. Teams usually prefer to bowl first after winning the toss, as chasing teams often perform better here.
Weather Report
On match day, the weather in Leeds is expected to be cloudy.
- Temperature: Around 17°C
- Rain chances: Nearly 15%
- Wind speed: About 19 km/h
Cloudy conditions and strong winds may help the fast bowlers, making it slightly challenging for batters early on.
Team Updates & Probable Playing XI
England
England has picked a balanced squad with both experienced and young players.
- Sonny Baker, a 22-year-old fast bowler, will make his ODI debut.
- Other key bowlers include Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Adil Rashid.
- In batting, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), and Jos Buttler will be the main strengths.
South Africa
South Africa enters the series with high confidence after a recent win against Australia.
- Temba Bavuma will lead the side.
- Kagiso Rabada is out due to injury, but the team has good options like Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi.
- Batters like Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller will play key roles.
Conclusion
The Headingley pitch offers early help for pacers and batting-friendly conditions later. Weather may also play a crucial role in the game. With England’s home advantage and South Africa’s recent good form, this first ODI promises to be an entertaining and competitive clash for cricket fans.
The match will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports TEN Network, Sony LIV, and FanCode.