The Proteas won the toss and will bowl first in the opening World Cup clash against England at the Oval, KHALID MOHIDIN reports.

The time has finally arrived. The opening game of the Cricket World Cup. England versus South Africa. Eoin Morgan versus Faf du Plessis. An aggressive batting philosophy up against an aggressive bowling philosophy.

From the offset, Du Plessis had one forced decision to make. The difficult task of replacing Dale Steyn. The big question was answered at the toss.

Du Plessis opted with Dwaine Pretorius instead of Chris Morris in a two-all-rounder system. He also mentioned the shocking omission of David Miller, sticking to their decision to pick on form and selecting Aiden Markram at No 3.

‘If there’s anything in the wicket it’s probably in the first hour,’ said Du Plessis. ‘Steyn is 80 percent, hoping he’ll be 100 percent by game three, which happens to be the India fixture.’

England captain Eoin Morgan left out four players. The big news with regards to the inclusions was Jofra Archer who will be in at No 11.

Eoin Morgan explained his decison.

‘The wicket looks really good, it should be set fair all day,’ says Morgan, who confirmed that Wood was fit and available, but misses out to Liam Plunkett.

‘All the work that’s been done, it’s been a collective drive, I much prefer going into the World Cup as favourites.’

Proteas XI: 

1. Hashim Amla
2. Quinton de Kock (WK)
3. Aiden Markram
4. Faf du Plessis (C)
5. Rassie van der Dussen
6. JP Duminy
7. Dwaine Pretorius
8. Andile Phehlukwayo
9. Kagiso Rabada
10 Lungi Ngidi
11. Imran Tahir.

England XI: 

1. Jason Roy
2. Jonny Bairstow
3. Joe Root
4. Eoin Morgan (C)
5. Jos Buttler (WK)
6. Ben Stokes
7. Moeen Ali
8. Chris Woakes
9. Adil Rashid
10.Liam Plunkett
11. Jofra Archer

Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images