In Chester-le-Street, South Africa defeated England by 62 runs in Ben Stokes’ final one-day international to open the series.
Rassie van der Dussen’s magnificent 134 first exhausted the world champions in the stifling heat before they were defeated 2-1 by India last week.
Aiden Markram and him formed a controlled stand of 151 that served as the foundation for the tourists’ 333-5 score. Aiden Markram scored 77 off 61 balls.
In response, England reached 102-0 but faltered against the Proteas spinners as the baked pitch wore thin.
Stokes got out lbw for five after declaring on Monday that this match on his home field would be his final 50-over international.
Following Root’s dismissal, the final three wickets fell quickly, and England was out for 271 in 46.5 overs.
In the second game, which will take place on Friday at Emirates Old Trafford, South Africa will lead the series 1-0 thanks to victory.
The Riverside stood to cheer him off, but it was a sad and untimely finish for an all-rounder who couldn’t replicate his memorable innings in the World Cup final of 2019.
