• England won their last ODI series 3-0 against the West Indies

• South Africa defeated Australia 2-1 in their last ODI series

• Recommended bet: Joe Root to score a half-century

England will be looking to make a fast start to the three-match ODI series against South Africa in Tuesday's opening clash at Headingley.

Harry Brook has yet to taste defeat in a one-day encounter since being appointed captain, winning all three clashes in the West Indies in May and June this year, and he will be eager to extend that record.

South Africa will present a tougher challenge than the Windies but the Proteas are not at full strength, especially in the bowling department, and the tourists could find life tough in Yorkshire.

The latest England vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.

Team news

England have included uncapped fast bowler Sonny Baker in their squad for the ODI series but he could be overlooked for the opening one-day international in favour of a more experienced option.

Jofra Archer's workload is being managed carefully ahead of the Ashes but he is expected to be named in the starting XI, alongside fellow quicks Brydon Carse and Saqib Mahmood.

Ben Duckett endured a poor Hundred campaign although he should retain his place at the top of the order alongside Jamie Smith, with Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks providing batting support.

Adil Rashid should be given the nod as the frontline spinner, meaning Rehan Ahmed will miss out.

South Africa seamer Kagiso Rabada will be assessed as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, with head coach Shukri Conrad "hopeful that he will be available for part of the ODI series".

Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is in line to take Rabada's place, forming a bowling attack that could include Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj and Nandre Burger.

Captain Temba Bavuma will spearhead the battling lineup, with Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton providing support.

The latest England vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.

The stats

England whitewashed the West Indies 3-0 in their last ODI series, winning by 238 runs in the first clash before then recording three-wicket and seven-wicket victories.

Experienced batter Joe Root was in fine form during those matches, registering knocks of 57, 166 not out and 44 to be named the Player of the Series.

South Africa recorded a 2-1 ODI series win in Australia in August, moving into an unassailable 2-0 lead before losing the last game.

Keshav Maharaj impressed with the ball during the series, taking six wickets in total including a five-fer in the opening ODI.

The latest England vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.

Prediction

England have named a strong squad for this ODI series and they are the firm favourites to get off to a winning start against South Africa, who are not at full strength and could find themselves exposed.

With no value in backing the hosts to win the match at Headingley, the better option is looking at the player markets, specifically backing Joe Root to make a half-century.

The 34-year-old has been enjoying a purple patch across all formats on both the domestic and international stage and his performances in the last ODI series were sparkling to say the least.

With one half-century and a superb unbeaten 166 during that series, Root has now made at least 50 in five of his nine one-day games in 2025.

The Englishman will also be boosted given Tuesday's contest takes place at his home ground Headingley, where his last three ODI innings have seen him score 100 not out, 84 and 57.

Back Joe Root to score a half-century at 6/4 with LiveScore Bet.

The latest England vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet.