South Africa Bowl First in Southampton as Codi Yusuf Makes ODI Debut

South Africa Bowl First in Southampton as Codi Yusuf Makes ODI Debut

South Africa have won the toss and elected to bowl first in the third and final ODI against England at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, as they aim for a 3-0 series whitewash. The visitors handed a debut to 27-year-old fast bowler Codi Yusuf, while allrounder Wiaan Mulder returned to the side after recovering from illness.

Yusuf, who recently made his Test debut during South Africa's tour of Zimbabwe, was a late addition to the ODI squad as cover for the injured Kagiso Rabada. He comes into the playing XI in place of Lungi Ngidi, who has been rested. Mulder replaces Senuran Muthusamy in the lineup.

Speaking at the toss, South African captain Temba Bavuma said:
"It's an early-morning game, so we assume there'll be something in the wicket, and we'll look to try and make use of that. Mulder comes back from illness and a debutant in Codi; Lungi and Muthusamy out… We'd like to keep that momentum going. A lot of excitement and enjoyment from the guys."

A brief rain shower shortly after the toss delayed the start of play by 15 minutes.

For England, Jamie Overton returns to the side in place of the rested Saqib Mahmood, in the only change from the previous match. With a lack of full-time bowling options, England are once again expected to rely on Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, and possibly Joe Root to complete their overs.

Despite the series being a dead rubber, England have plenty to play for. A win would not only restore pride but also boost their ICC ODI rankings, helping secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Avoiding a whitewash is also critical — England have not suffered a home ODI clean sweep since Sri Lanka beat them 5-0 in 2006.

Playing XIs

England:

  1. Jamie Smith

  2. Ben Duckett

  3. Joe Root

  4. Harry Brook (capt)

  5. Jos Buttler (wk)

  6. Jacob Bethell

  7. Will Jacks

  8. Jamie Overton

  9. Brydon Carse

  10. Jofra Archer

  11. Adil Rashid

South Africa:

  1. Aiden Markram

  2. Ryan Rickelton (wk)

  3. Temba Bavuma (capt)

  4. Matthew Breetzke

  5. Tristan Stubbs

  6. Dewald Brevis

  7. Wiaan Mulder

  8. Corbin Bosch

  9. Keshav Maharaj

  10. Codi Yusuf

  11. Nandre Burger

Match status: South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl
Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Series: South Africa lead the 3-match ODI series 2-0