England endured a disastrous start to their one-day international series against South Africa, collapsing to 131 all out before being swept aside by seven wickets in Leeds. Aiden Markram’s blistering 86 from 55 balls highlighted the gulf between the two sides, while debutant Sonny Baker endured a torrid introduction to international cricket.
England’s struggles began early, with Ben Duckett dismissed in the third over for just five. Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals, with only Jamie Smith offering resistance. Smith played a composed knock of 54, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. England’s last seven wickets fell for just 29 runs, exposing fragile batting against disciplined bowling from Keshav Maharaj, who claimed four wickets in a devastating spell.
South Africa, fresh from a series win in Australia, were sharp and clinical in all departments. Their fielding was electric, with Corbin Bosch and Markram pulling off superb catches, while Tristan Stubbs produced a direct-hit run-out to further dent England’s hopes. By contrast, England’s preparation looked disjointed, with key players only recently freed from domestic commitments, and training sessions sparsely attended.
Defending a meagre total, England turned to 20-year-old Sonny Baker with the new ball. It proved a brutal baptism as Markram targeted him relentlessly, taking 45 runs from his first four overs. To his credit, Baker improved when brought back from the opposite end, showing resilience despite the punishing start. England’s vice-captain Harry Brook praised his character, insisting the youngster will learn quickly from the experience.
Markram’s dominance made the chase a formality. Despite two late wickets with the target in sight, South Africa cruised home with 175 balls remaining. The emphatic nature of the defeat underlined the gulf in intensity and preparation between the two sides.
England will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid another heavy defeat in the remaining matches. With batting frailties exposed and bowling under pressure, a swift response is required to restore belief. South Africa, meanwhile, look a well-drilled and confident unit, with Markram’s form and Maharaj’s control giving them an early stranglehold on the series.
