England, led by Harry Brook, suffered back-to-back losses against South Africa in the three-match series on home soil. The Three Lions have slipped to eighth in the ICC ODI rankings, and their inconsistent performances in the format have raised concerns about automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
England have struggled in ODIs in recent years. The 2019 World Cup champions have won only seven of 22 matches since the 2023 World Cup. They endured an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Only Bangladesh have a worse winning rate among teams that qualified for the last World Cup.
South Africa Claim First ODI Series Win in England Since 1998South Africa secured their first ODI series win in England since 1998. The Proteas took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series following a narrow five-run victory at Lord's. England will take on South Africa in the third and final ODI at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday, September 7.