Wednesday's shock defeat to Ireland has thrown England's plans into chaos. Can they get back on track against the formidable looking South Africans?
London Start Time: 04:00
Venue and Conditions
This venue's previous game in Chennai was a non-event as New Zealand crushed Kenya, but the pitch appeared to conform to type, being slow, low and offering nothing for the quicker bowlers. Spinners will have more joy here, but it is essentially a very good track to bat on.
Team News
Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann and Paul Collingwood sat out Friday's training session but are expected to be fit for Sunday, although Collingwood may miss out if Ravi Bopara is given his chance. And given his poor performances so far this tournament, James Anderson may be replaced by Ajmal Shahzad.
South Africa's only problem is whether to go with three pace bowlers, three specialist spinners or an extra batsman. On a pitch that should offer some turn, the likely call is for Johan Botha to return at the expense of Morne van Wyk.
Match Odds
If England lose here, they will be playing knock-out cricket much sooner in the tournament than they'd hoped. Two wins from three is the equation and at the moment, it is anyone's guess whether they have it in them to get to the last eight. The general trend under Andy Flower has been continual improvement, but they were woeful in the field against Ireland and can't afford to put in another shocker.
If you wanted to make the case for an England win, you would point out that they have tend to be at their peak against better teams and have a good record against Sunday's opponents. But the addition of Imran Tahir has made South Africa just about the complete team. On paper, they outgun England in every department and they are justifiably 1.56 favourites to wrap up a quarter-final place.
Top Batsman
For England, either of the in-form Jonathan Trott at 5.0 or Andrew Strauss at 4.3 would be sensible picks while for South Africa, A B De Villiers 5.0 is in equally fine touch and hit a half-century last time he played here.
Featured Market
Jacques Kallis has yet to get going in this World Cup and for the moment we can side with Trott at 1.8 or better in the 'Trott v Kallis' market
Best Bet
South Africa to beat England at 1.56
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