Key events
But Ali tries to find some light in the fixtures congestion.
Our man in Southampton, Simon Burnton, has landed at the Rosebowl and reports that it is lovely and bright, though “thick clouds lie over yonder hill.”
The two sides’ 50-over prospects seem to be travelling in different directions: South Africa’s first ODI series win in England since 1998 is their second series win in a row as they build towards a home World Cup in 2027. England have now lost five ODI series in the last six. And the schedule continues to pile up.
Preamble
Good morning from an autumnal Manchester where the rain clouds are jostling into position. The Met office is painting a much happier picture down south for this third and final ODI , with symbols of frolicking sunshine and temperatures touching the twenties.
South Africa have already clinched the series after that splattering at Headingley followed by a close-run-thing at Lord’s, and Harry Brook’s England will want to finish with a morale-booster ahead of the T20 series. South Africa, though, have other plans, after their second successive ODI series win.
Play starts at 11am BST, do join us.