South Africa vs England: Combined XI

After a disappointing Test series, which ended in a 2-1 loss to England, South Africa will be yearning to start the new year on a positive note. The five-match ODI series, which starts in Bloemfontein, will be a test of the bench strength for both teams, as a number of star players are unavailable due to injury.Here is a combined ODI XI, consisting of the players from both the sides that might be crucial for their team’Âs performances:

#1 Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla has had a great start to the new year

Having quit Test captaincy, Amla has been batting with a clearer head and more assured strokeplay. He has had a great start to the new year, with a match-saving 201 against England in the Cape Town Test, followed by a 109 and 96 at the Centurion. He crossed the 1000-run mark in ODIs last year, with four centuries and three fifties, and was the fifth-highest run getter overall. He also registered his highest ODI score (159) against Ireland at Canberra. The fastest to reach 6000 ODI runs, Amla resigned from the Test captaincy after 18 months in charge. Along with de Villiers, Amla has been the man in form for South Africa in recent years, and will be hoping to put another successful calendar year in his kitty.