England vs. South Africa preview: Strength in depth gives England the edge

Dale Steyn will miss South Africa's opening match a against England

The wait is finally over as England prepare for their first game of the World Cup against South Africa, with huge expectations surrounding England following a dominant last four years in ODI cricket.

Despite the recent controversy of Alex Hales’ axing from the England squad and the late arrival of Jofra Archer into the reckoning, England not only look to have a settled side heading into the tournament but also the strongest squad in the tournament.

While the main focus is the starting XI, the value of squad depth must not go unnoticed as a key factor going into this World Cup. The format of 9 games against every team heightens the risk of injury or fatigue creeping into sides bowling attacks. The addition of Archer into the England squad means the squad is now packed with high quality replacements in every department, and provides greater flexibility for team selection should conditions merit a change in team balance, with Liam Dawson also adding a reserve spin option.

Indeed, the importance of strength in depth is already apparent, with Dale Steyn missing out for South Africa for the first few games of the tournament. Should South Africa field their strongest four of Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada they look a serious prospect, but the loss of only one key bowler exposes their vulnerability as a squad, with Chris Morris set to replace him in the starting XI.

In stark contrast to Steyn, Morris averages over 40 with the ball in ODI cricket, and will likely be targeted by England’s powerful batting unit tomorrow. Without Steyn, it relieves pressure on England’s batsmen to score against the likes of Rabada, Tahir and Ngidi, and instead target the other 20 overs that South Africa will need to find from Morris, Phehlukwayo and the part time spin of JP Duminy. Early wickets for South Africa will be vital if they are to restrict England to a reasonable total, or it may be a long day in the field.

From a batting perspective South Africa certainly have the firepower to post an imposing total, but should they bat first will need a substantial score to put England under pressure. In the recent series against Pakistan England chased 359 and 341 with frightening ease, and 350 looks to be a par score for South Africa tomorrow. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock will no doubt be vital to lay the foundations for the power hitters further down, and England’s attack will be keen to get David Miller in sooner than he’s used to.

This in turn puts greater focus on the decision at the toss. As mentioned previously England’s ability to chase mammoth totals is well documented, and despite the obvious dangers of letting England have first go on a flat track we may well see Faf du Plessis put England into bat should he call correctly tomorrow. Knowing how to pace an innings is far easier when chasing, and in the past we have seen England show weakness on occasion when asked to set a target. In a home World Cup with such expectation, there would be no better way to put England under pressure from the get go.

Fortunately it looks like rain won't be a factor for this match...

England will head into the contest as clear favourites, and are quite rightly favourites to take home the trophy in home conditions. World Cups are won by the strongest teams and squads, not individual talents. South Africa so often had the mercurial talents of AB de Villiers at their disposal during previous campaigns, yet have never lifted the trophy. Without de Villiers, I believe qualification for the semi-finals may prove a challenge for South Africa this time around.

The first game can be huge in setting the tone for a successful campaign, and South Africa’s main advantage is the immense pressure England are under to perform when it matters most. It will no doubt prove a tough opening game for this England side, but it is time for them to bear the fruits of all their hard work since the disastrous 2015 World Cup. Nine games may seem like a long time to hit your stride, but an opening victory will settle a lot of nerves within the England camp.