25 May,2017 01:31 PM IST | | Reuters
England captain Eoin Morgan's century helped the hosts to a decent total of 339 for six against South Africa in a one-day international at Headingley on Wednesday as they began their domestic summer campaign
England captain Eoin Morgan acknowledges the crowd as he celebrates victory after the first One-Day International between England and South Africa at Headingley. Pic/AFP
England captain Eoin Morgan's century helped the hosts to a decent total of 339 for six against South Africa in a one-day international at Headingley on Wednesday as they began their domestic summer campaign.
With England hosting the Champions Trophy beginning on June 1 and tours from the South Africans and then West Indies, it was important for the home side to get off to a positive start in the three-match series.
The Yorkshire venue welcomed England and the world's number one ranked ODI team on a day of bright sunshine, with Morgan's 107 from 93 balls providing the spine to England's total, including a partnership of 117 in 13 overs with Moeen Ali.
Ali ended on 77 not out and his contribution was essential after the two strong-hitting middle order batsmen - Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler - had been dismissed for 25 and seven respectively.
Alex Hales (61) and local favourite Joe Root (37) had laid the foundations with a 98-run second wicket partnership after opener Jason Roy was caught behind for one by Quinton de Kock, attempting to drive Wayne Parnell.
