Updated Ordered-Day International (ODI) rankings from the International Cricket Council (ICC) prior to the England-South Africa series

England and South Africa are set to lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting on September 2 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord's on September 4 and Southampton on September 7.

This series marks a significant milestone for Harry Brook, who will lead England's squad as full-time white-ball captain for the first time in an ODI series. Brook took over the reins following Eoin Morgan's retirement and led the team to a clean sweep against West Indies in their last ODI series in June.

As for the rankings, India currently tops the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings with a rating of 124, followed closely by New Zealand with 109 and Australia with 106. England, on the other hand, is in eighth position with a rating of 88, looking to improve their standing and move away from the last automatic qualification spot for the 2027 World Cup, currently held by the West Indies.

South Africa enters the series as the sixth-placed side with a rating of 98, having recently come off a 2-1 ODI series win in Australia. Notably, India, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka are ahead of both England and South Africa in the rankings.

Teams like Bangladesh (77), Ireland (52), and Zimbabwe (54) risk missing out on direct qualification for the World Cup, with Zimbabwe assured a place as the hosts.

The overall record in ODIs between England and South Africa is neck and neck, with England winning 30 matches and South Africa winning 35, with five no-results and a tie. South Africa defeated England by seven wickets in their last meeting, which was a Champions Trophy group match in March.

In a promising development for England, Jofra Archer is set to make his ODI debut in the first South Africa ODI. Archer, who has been out of action due to injury, returns to the side, adding strength to England's bowling attack. England has also named a fast-bowling debutant for the first ODI.

South Africa, meanwhile, won the last bilateral series between the two sides, defeating England 2-1 at home in 2023.

The table shows the current ODI team rankings, points, and ratings of the top 12 teams. Fans can look forward to an exciting series as both teams strive to climb the rankings and secure their place in the 2027 World Cup.

Updated Ordered-Day International (ODI) rankings from the International Cricket Council (ICC) prior to the England-South Africa series