England take on South Africa in WC opener

Sports Desk: Excellent start for South Africa as Imran Tahir has gotten the prized scalp of Jonny Bairstow in the first over itself after South Africa captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to field against England in the opening match of the World Cup at the Oval on Thursday.

England, the world’s top-ranked one-day international side and the tournament favourites, included fast bowler Liam Plunkett in a line-up captained by Eoin Morgan, with Tom Curran missing out on his Surrey home ground.

South Africa omitted allrounder Chris Morris, with Dwayne Pretorius selected.

“A 10.30 am start at The Oval -- if there’s anything in the wicket, it’ll be in the first hour. We’ve got some fantastic fast bowlers and we’re hoping it’ll be a great occasion today,” said Du Plessis.

The hosts left out Mark Wood and brought in all-rounder Jofra Archer for his first World Cup appearance.

risingbd/Dhaka/May 30, 2019/AKA