Eoin Morgan leads England to emphatic victory over South Africa

England captain Eoin Morgan on his way to his 10th ODI century.

Morgan hit seven fours and five sixes in his 11th ODI century, his first hundred against South Africa, after AB de Villiers won the toss and opted to field.

His 107 at Headingley was his third one-day hundred this year and helped England reached 339 for six, a total South Africa never looked like threatening after Hashim Amla and Faf Du Plessis were dismissed in successive overs.

Not known as a big hitter, left-hander Ali still struck five sixes at Yorkshire’s headquarters.

Two balls later Rabada edged behind to Buttler to hand Woakes his fourth wicket and England an excellent win.

“It was a pretty good day at the office for us”, said Morgan.

But, with England bowling a consistent and tight line and length, South Africa’s middle order was unable to respond, De Villiers running out of partners before going on the attack and being caught by Plunkett at deep mid-wicket off Ali. They dominated the bowling and manipulated us, probably 20-30 above par and we didn’t bat well enough. When it happens so close to home it hits you a little bit harder. He did return to the outfield and Morgan and coach Trevor Bayliss will hope that it is nothing too serious ahead of the Champions Trophy.

England know that heading into the Champions Trophy, Alex Hales is a vital member of their squad.

Morgan emphasised the belief he has in the 29-year-old at the end of the first game.

Root was positioned to anchor the innings but, by the time he flapped Phehlukwayo’s bouncer to mid-wicket, his 37-run contribution had become pedestrian.

But it was a different matter for Morgan, who was fluent from the off and clobbered Phehlukwayo for a couple of clean sixes to announce his intentions.

The captain would, therefore, like to have Ben Stokes in his side tomorrow, provided that there has…

But Amla made a typically elegant near run-a-ball 73.

Fast bowler Mark Wood, however, removed the stylish South African when he had Amla lbw but only after England successfully reviewed Australian umpire Rod Tucker s not out call. De Villiers kept four catchers in for new man Jos Buttler and it paid dividends, the wicketkeeper flicking Morris to Miller at leg gully for just 7.

Of particular concern for the Proteas is the fact that their hotel in Manchester – where the final Test will be played from 4 to 8 August – is within walking distance from the Manchester Arena, where the blast occurred and claimed 22 lives.