The first ODI between England and South Africa will be played in Chester-Le-Street at a ground where the Proteas do have fond memories.

England are under a bit of pressure at home after losing their three-match ODI series against India.

To make matters worse for the hosts, the all-rounder, Ben Stokes, announced on Monday that the first ODI will be last for England in the format. Recently the regular white-ball captain, Eoin Morgan, also called it a day.

The Proteas themselves lost their last series to Bangladesh in South Africa, but feel confident after beating the England Lions by 107 runs in Worcester last week.

The Proteas captain, Keshav Maharaj, said they will take it one game at a time.

“I was actually made aware of it not so long ago,” said the spinner.

“It does present us with an opportunity to do something special as a unit. I think we've come a long way in all facets of the game as a team.

“It’s an opportunity for us to create history as a team, but we are going take it one ball at a time, one game at a time. Hopefully we can cross over the line and achieve something really big as a One-Day International unit.”

Tuesday’s first ODI between England and South Africa at the Riverside Ground gets underway at 14:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport