Both teams come into the series on the back of recent upturns in form.
Harry Brook took over the England ODI captaincy earlier this summer and skippered his side to 3-0 win over the West Indies, ending a seven-match losing run. The captain has now called up uncapped 22-year-old quick bowler Sonny Baker to add further pace to their attack. Jofra Archer is also in the squad as he continues his path to the Ashes.
South Africa won their series last month in Australia 2-1, a series they had gone into on the back of seven defeats in their previous nine games. Kagiso Rabada returns to the South African bowling attack after injury. Their attack could also include exciting 19-year-old left armer Kwena Maphaka, who is capable of bowling at 95mph.
Here's where to watch England vs South Africa 1st ODI live streams online from anywhere, including free options.
Can I stream England vs South Africa 1st ODI for free?
ICC TV are showing for free England vs South Africa in a host of countries across the world — check the full list here to see if you can watch for free.
Outside any of these countries right now? No worries — you can still stream the action by using a VPN — more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch any England vs South Africa 1st ODI
If you're keen to watch the cricket but you're away from home and your preferred coverage is geo-blocked, you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
There are lots of VPNs but NordVPN is the one you can rely on to unblock streaming platforms – and right now you can save 70%.
How to watch England vs South Africa 1st ODI live streams in the US
Cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch the England vs South Africa 1st ODI in the US.
If you don't have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow coverage through your choice of Sling TV's Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.
Outside the US right now? You can make use of NordVPN to catch the action.
How to watch England vs South Africa 1st ODI live streams in the UK
The England vs South Africa 1st ODI is exclusive to Sky Sports in the UK. Sky TV subscribers can tune in on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.
Sky Sports packages start from £22 per month. Or you can use a more flexible streaming option, Now (formerly Now TV). Now Sports memberships start at £14.99 for a day pass, or £34.99 monthly.
If you're on holiday outside the UK, you can use NordVPN to access Sky Sports' coverage.
How to watch England vs South Africa 1st ODI live streams in India
The live telecast of the England vs South Africa series will be available on Sony’s sports TV channels in multiple languages
You'll need Sony Sports or the JioHotstar app to watch on mobile devices. Prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) for Hotstar.
Visiting the US from India? Use NordVPN to access your usual streaming service while away.
How to watch England vs South Africa 1st ODI live streams in Australia
The England vs South Africa 1st ODI is on Foxtel in Australia.
However, your most cost-efficient option is specialist sports streamer Kayo Sports, with plans starting from $30 a month after you've taken advantage of its first month for $1 offer or 7-day free trial.
Visiting Oz from a country where ICC TV is available? Use a VPN to watch your free cricket stream when abroad.
Official England vs South Africa 1st ODI broadcasters by region
Just like in the US, cricket fans in Canada can watch the England vs South Africa 1st ODI on Willow TV.
Cricket fans in Ireland can watch the England vs South Africa 1st ODI on Sky Sports.
SuperSport has the rights to show the England vs South Africa 1st ODI in most parts of the African continent.
England vs South Africa ODI series 2025 Q+A
What time does the England vs South Africa 1st ODI start?
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Time: Play is due to start in the floodlit match at 1pm BST/ 8am ET.
What is the England vs South Africa 2025 ODI series schedule?
- Tuesday, September 2: 1st ODI, Leeds
- Thursday, September 4: 2nd ODI, Lord's
- Sunday, September 7, 3rd ODI, Southampton
England vs South Africa 1st ODI teams
England: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker.
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.
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