The former Indian opening batter, Wasim Jaffer, has laughed at the former England captain, Michael Vaughan, as he continues their leg-pulling scandal after the Harry Brook-led side faced a huge and embarrassing defeat against South Africa at Leeds in Headingley, during the opening game of the three-series.

Jaffer posted a picture on social media, which was displayed during the live game by the home broadcaster, Sky Sports. It was on the eighth ODI rank of the 2019 champions at the current stage, as India sits at the top of the table. England didn’t enjoy a healthy time in white-ball cricket during the Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI World Cup 2023.

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“England at No.8. Surely against the spirit of cricket. ICC should look into this.” Jaffer wrote on his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) and tagged the renowned cricket commentator, Michael Vaughan, who brought that prospect many a time during the recently concluded Test series against India this summer.

Wasim Jaffer takes a jibe at Michael Vaughan after England’s embarrassing defeat

Winning the toss, the Protea captain, Temba Bavuma, decided to bowl first on a surface that he expected to get better for batting under lights in the evening. England’s opening batter, Jamie Smith, fired a fine 54-run knock in just 48 balls at a strike rate of 112.50 with the help of 10 boundaries. But the next best score in the list was 15 by Jos Buttler.

England at No. 8… surely against the spirit of cricket. ICC should look into this. @MichaelVaughan pic.twitter.com/txSFOtJnh0

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 3, 2025

They were 82/2 in 13.5 overs before they lost their next eight wickets for just 49 runs in just over 10 overs. Keshav Maharaj ran through the batting line-up of the Three Lions to end with a fine figure of 4/22 in just 5.3 overs. On the other hand, Wiaan Mulder ended with 3/33 in seven overs.

The 121-run opening stand between Aiden Markram and wicket-keeper Ryan Rickelton provided a fine start to the Rainbow Nation in the chase as they completed it with seven wickets in hand and nearly 30 overs to spare. Markram smashed a fine knock of 86 runs in 55 balls at a strike rate of 156.36 with 13 boundaries and a couple of sixes.

England (ENG) and South Africa (SA) will meet in the opening ODI of their three-match series at Headingley, Leeds, on Tuesday, September 2. The Proteas begin their white-ball tour of England with this series, and the contest promises exciting cricket. England’s last limited-overs assignment was against West Indies earlier this year, where the Harry Brook-led side dominated, sweeping both ODI and T20I series. With several players in rhythm after The Hundred, and the return of pace spearhead Jofra Archer, England look well-prepared to start strongly.

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On the other hand, South Africa arrive with confidence, having recently sealed an ODI series victory against Australia. Although they lost the preceding T20I series 2-1, the team bounced back impressively in the 50-over format. The Proteas will be further boosted by the return of fast-bowling star Kagiso Rabada, who missed the last tour due to an ankle injury. With momentum and key players back, they aim to challenge the hosts in Leeds.

England vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Live Streaming Details

England vs South Africa, 1st ODI: Probable Playing XI

England (Probable Playing XI):

Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith (wk), Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker

South Africa (Probable Playing XI):

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka

The Hampshire fast bowler, who featured for the Manchester Originals during The Hundred 2025, Sonny Baker, will make his international debut for the opening ODI game of the three-match series against South Africa at Headingley. The 22-year-old, who is capable of consistently bowling at 90 mph, has picked up 19 wickets so far in 11 List-A games. 

He will be joined in the pace attack by Jofra Archer ater a smooth The Hundred event, who would be playing his first 50-over game since the Champions Trophy 2025, and Brydon Carse. Harry Brook will be leading the side in his second successive series, as Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett will continue to show their dominance in the opening position of the side.

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“We've seen him bowl at some of the best batters in the world, and he had them on toast, so it's been really good to see. He bowls at a high pace, and he can swing it both ways with exceptional death skills as well. To have him in the team and for him to be opening up tomorrow is awesome.” Brook expressed during an interaction.

England name playing XI for opening ODI against South Africa

Just hours after England released a press statement of Jamie Overton deciding to take an indefinite break from the longest format, Brook feels that Baker has all the potential to bring himself into the equation for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 against Australia down under.

“There have been a few moments. The spells he bowled to Williamson and Warner and then Smith and Bairstow, all four are world-class batters in the shorter format, and he was all over them. He bowled with high pace and high skill. He was awesome to watch this year, and everyone was talking about him.” Brook addressed.

“I don't select the red-ball side, but yeah, he's obviously done really well this summer, and we'll see how he goes tomorrow. He's bowling at high pace with a lot of skill, and it looks like he has quite a lot about him as well.” The England ODI captain revealed.

England’s playing XI for the first ODI vs South Africa

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