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England v South Africa

The Oval

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Live Report - England, South Africa kick off the party

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Planning, prep and years of hurt all come down to this

Two sides with arguably the most torrid World Cup histories of them all kick off 2019 edition

Dobell: England have raised expectations, now it is time to meet them

They come into the tournament as favourites, unfazed by the weight of history and hoping to inspire new followers of game

Ganga: Archer brings wicket-taking quality to this England side

Daren Ganga, Murali Kartik and Ajit Agarkar preview the opening game of the World Cup between England and South Africa

7:06

Ganga, Kartik and Agarkar pick their semi-finalists

Teams with penetrative bowling will prosper in this World Cup, according to Ganga

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1:58

Holding: No one in the World Cup bats as deep as England

1:42

ESPN Shorts: Can Hashim Amla bounce back?

Having been away from the game and run into poor form, Amla needs his silken touch back to help South Africa clinch the World Cup

1:31

Can South Africa end their knockout jinx?

Can they deal with pressure better and spring a surprise in the 2019 World Cup?

1:36

ESPN Shorts: The genius of Jason Roy

One half of the world's most fiery opening batting combination today, Jason Roy holds the key to England's flying starts and 'impossible' chases this World Cup.

1:13

    England v South Africa

    World Cup 2019

    Samiuddin: Can smouldering du Plessis sex up SA chances?

    South Africa's leading man looks ready to guide his team out of the World Cup darkness

    South Africa seek Plan B and C without Steyn

    Du Plessis admits losing fast bowler for early matches as he recovers from injury is a 'big loss'

    World Cup

    Build-up

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    So you want to know about the teams at the World Cup?

    Our handy guide tells you exactly what to look forward to, and what will happen, regardless of which of the ten sides wins

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    May I tell you a bit about the wonderful World Cup?

    This is a friendly interruption of your day by our England-loving World Cup enthusiast

    Five reasons why non-cricket fans NEED to watch this World Cup

    Forget the rules, just enjoy the drama, and watching athletes smash balls out of the park, and soar and dive to take catches

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    World Cup 2019

    Preview

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    How Andre Russell 'stays humble' amid the hype

    He refuses to read about his own performances and doesn't watch cricket with the sound on - the full interview will be published on May 30

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    1:24

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    From willow to wicket, a bat's 20-year journey to the World Cup

    J.S. Wright & Sons, a 125-year-old company in England, is the proud maker of most of the bats at the World Cup

    World Cup

    Australia build-up

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    From Brentwood to the World Cup: Adam Zampa's return to the top

    After an impressive start to international cricket, Adam Zampa fell out of the reckoning but has now elevated himself to Australia's No. 1 spinner

    Cup's fast finishers can't leave their run too late

    Nine league games may look like plenty of time to find rhythm, but Australia should heed the lessons of 1992

    Glenn Maxwell reveals his most memorable shot

    Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell talks about the best and worst shots he has ever played

    1:04

    Editor's Picks

    Interview: Vijay Shankar on the challenges of the World Cup

    Ten things I'd like to see at this World Cup

    Harmanpreet: 'I was ready to walk away from the game'

    'When I see fear in a batsman's eyes, I bowl faster' - Oshane Thomas

    Interview: Simmons on Afghanistan's preparation

    Ten must-do things in the UK for the die-hard cricket fan

    Anantha Narayanan: The best ODI batting and bowling performances

    Jason Holder: 'I tried to please everyone, which was impossible'

    2:56

    Brad Hodge picks his all-time World Cup XI

    0:51

    Kimber: Why aren't T20 teams scoring bigger more often?

    Miller: Questions over the Hundred remain after launch

    Review: Osman Samiuddin on Shahid Afridi's new book

    WORLD CUP

    Bangladesh build-up

    Mashrafe to play Bangladesh's WC opener despite hamstring strain

    Among the other injury concerns, Tamim Iqbal, who missed the warm-up against India, is expected to be fit for the South Africa match

    Sabbir v Mosaddek and other Bangladesh selection issues

    Will Bangladesh change their plans for who the finisher will be and what is their best bowling combination to face South Africa?

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