ENG vs SA, 3rd ODI: Here’s why Saqib Mahmood is not playing today’s match

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An exciting conclusion awaits at The Rose Bowl in Southampton as England and South Africa face off in the third and final One-Day International. With the Proteas having already sealed an unassailable 2-0 series lead, the match presents a last chance for England to secure a consolation win and restore some pride on home soil. South Africa’s formidable form throughout the series has left England in a precarious position, highlighting the competitive gap between the two sides.

South Africa’s dominance in the series began with a ruthless seven-wicket victory in the first ODI at Headingley, where they chased down a meager 132-run target with more than 29 overs to spare. The second game at Lord’s was a much more thrilling contest, but South Africa’s strong batting display proved too much for the hosts. Despite half-centuries from Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler, England fell five runs short of South Africa’s commanding total of 330.

In the final, game, South African captain Temba Bavuma won the coin flip and made the strategic decision to bowl first. South Africa has made two changes to their winning side, bringing in all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and debutant Codi Yusuf for Lungi Ngidi and Senuran Muthuswamy.

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For England, the lone change sees Jamie Overton come in for Saqib Mahmood. The decision to rotate Mahmood was described by England captain Harry Brook as being part of a strategy to ‘just be aggressive with both bat and ball’ and that the team would have fancied their chances of chasing on what looks like a good wicket.

“We would have bowled first as well. Just rotation as Saqib misses out, just be aggressive with both bat and ball. Looks like a good wicket, would have fancied our chances of chasing,” Brook said at toss time

Saqib’s limited participation in the series saw him play only the second ODI at Lord’s, where he was brought in to add experience to the bowling attack. In that high-scoring affair, he bowled 10 overs, conceding 53 runs without taking a wicket. While his economy rate of 5.30 was the best among all of England’s primary fast bowlers, he was unable to find a breakthrough. Ultimately, the lack of wickets in that pivotal match and the packed international schedule likely contributed to the management’s decision to rotate him for the series finale.

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