The hosts, England, are tipped as the favourites to win the World Cup for the first time ever, and they will be a tough baptism of fire for South Africa.

The Proteas did responsibly well in their two warm-up matches, with an n 87-run win over Sri Lanka, while rain led to a no result against the West Indies.

The fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, who has been making his return from injury, says Thursday game will go down in the history books.

“The experience in our squad has shown that they can be world beaters as well. We have a nice please of youth and experience in the squad and we do believe that we can win this tournament.

“It is a big deal. England are a strong side. Its crunch time and it’s the first game of the 2019 World Cup and it will forever be a part of history.

“It’s a really big game for us. We are excited, I am excited. It is going to be a stiff challenge.

“They want to win, and we want to win, so it’s going to be a real clash of heads.”

Thursdays match between England and South Africa at the Oval gets underway at 11:30.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport