LEEDS, England (AP) — South Africa defeated England by 7 wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series. The hosts were bowled out for 131, with Keshav Maharaj taking four wickets. He was supported by Wiaan Mulder, who dismissed three batters.
The Proteas raced home with 175 balls to spare after hammering 22-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker, who made his England debut.
Baker, who starred in the recent edition of the Hundred, served up seven wicketless overs for 76 runs — the most expensive figures by an England bowler on ODI debut.
Aiden Markram welcomed Baker in the first over by hitting three boundaries in four deliveries.
With several squad members involved in the Hundred eliminator and final over the weekend, England held one sparsely attended training session Monday and only came together as a group later that evening.
England captain Harry Brook refused to use that as an explanation.
“In my eyes, that’s an excuse. We’re not a team that makes excuses up,” he said.
“At the end of the day, that batting performance wasn’t good enough. I think everybody will hold their hands up and say that.”
The second ODI is at Lord’s on Thursday and the third takes place in Southampton on Sunday.