England vs South Africa predictions: Proteas poised to seal series win at Lord's
Simon Barlow
South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0 after a dominant win at Headingley
England were bowled out for just 131 in the first ODI
Keshav Maharaj claimed 4-22 and was named Player of the Match
Recommended Bet: South Africa to win
England face a must-win scenario when they host South Africa in the second ODI of the series at Lord's on Thursday.
Harry Brook's side were humbled in Leeds, collapsing to 131 all out before the Proteas cruised to a seven-wicket win inside 21 overs.
The hosts will need to regroup quickly, with their top order misfiring and the bowling attack unable to apply any sustained pressure.
South Africa, meanwhile, arrive in London with momentum and a chance to wrap up the series early.
Temba Bavuma's men have now won five of their seven completed ODIs this year, having secured a 2-1 series win in Australia last month.
The latest England vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
England's batting woes were laid bare at Headingley, where only Jamie Smith (54) offered resistance. Joe Root, Ben Duckett and captain Brook all fell cheaply and the middle order lacked fluency against spin.
Adil Rashid was the pick of the bowlers with 3-26, but Sonny Baker posted the most expensive figures ever conceded by an England player on ODI debut.
Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton could replace Baker and Brydon Carse in a revamped pace attack, with Rehan Ahmed pushing his claims to come in for fellow spinning all-rounder Jacob Bethell.
England could be tempted to scrap any plans to rest Jofra Archer with the series on the line and the Sussex paceman having bowled only five overs in Leeds.
As for the tourists, Matthew Breetzke and Kagiso Rabada missed Tuesday's series-opener with niggles.
Both look likely to be drafted into the side for the match at Lord's, with Breetzke coming in for Tony de Zorzi, who strained his left hamstring while fielding at Headingley.
Rabada is an option to replace Corbin Bosch or Nandre Burger in the Proteas attack.
The stats
England have lost five of their last six ODIs against South Africa.
The Proteas have beaten their hosts by margins of seven wickets, seven wickets and 229 runs during that sequence.
Keshav Maharaj's 4-22 at Headingley was his second-best ODI bowling analysis after returning figures of 5-33 against Australia in Cairns last month.
Smith has scored back-to-back half-centuries in ODIs for the first time in his career.
England have won their last four ODIs at Lord's, but South Africa have beaten their hosts on their last two visits in the format (2017 and 2012).
The latest England vs South Africa odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
South Africa look well placed to clinch the series with another composed performance at Lord's.
Their bowling attack is balanced and in form, while England's batting remains brittle and overly reliant on individual brilliance.
Unless Root or Brook can anchor a big total, the Proteas' depth and discipline should prove decisive again.
