England’s bid to win a first World Cup starts when they tackle South Africa at the Oval on Thursday.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at the Proteas ahead of the tournament’s curtain-raiser.

Overview

The retirement of AB De Villiers from international duty left a sizeable hole in South Africa's batting line-up (Paul Harding/PA)
The retirement of AB De Villiers from international duty left a sizeable hole in South Africa’s batting line-up (Paul Harding/PA)

Star man

Quinton De Kock was a key player as Mumbai Indians were crowned Indian Premier League champions (Nigel French/PA)
Quinton De Kock was a key player as Mumbai Indians were crowned Indian Premier League champions (Nigel French/PA)

Strengths

Imran Tahir, pictured, and Kagiso Rabada are South Africa's two main bowling threats (Mike Egerton/PA)
Imran Tahir, pictured, and Kagiso Rabada are South Africa’s two main bowling threats (Mike Egerton/PA)

Weaknesses

Hashim Amla has quietened talk of a decline in form (Nigel French/PA)
Hashim Amla has quietened talk of a decline in form (Nigel French/PA)

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