South Africa Chooses to Bowl After Winning Toss Against England at Headingley

Leeds, England, Sep 2 (AP) - In the first of three one-day internationals between England and South Africa at Headingley, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first on Tuesday.

South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, made this decision after observing a dry pitch and noting the historical success of teams chasing in Leeds. Playing on familiar turf, England's captain, Harry Brook, remarked that he would have also preferred to bowl first given the option.

England introduced 22-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker, who has been impressive in the recent domestic Hundred competition. Additionally, pace bowler Jofra Archer is making his return to the ODI format, his first appearance since the Champions Trophy in March.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be missing their renowned pacer Kagiso Rabada, due to an ankle injury. Heinrich Klaasen is also absent from their batting lineup following his retirement from international cricket earlier this summer.

The series will continue with the second ODI at Lord's on Thursday, followed by the third match in Southampton on Sunday.

Teams: England: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.

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