In Saturday’s 2025 Champions Trophy final Group B match at the National Stadium, England won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa. Jos Buttler announced his resignation on Friday, making this his last appearance as England’s white-ball cricket captain.

England is already out from the eight-team tournament and wants to end a turbulent white-ball phase in the subcontinent on a good note, while South Africa will advance to the semi-finals and finish as Group B leaders with a victory.

Buttler said that Saqib Mahmood replaces Mark Wood, who hurt his right knee, after winning the toss. “It seems to be a good wicket, but not many crack it in. There was no need to wait and make that choice; it seemed like the proper moment. It’s time to go on.

It’s an honor to lead your nation; it’s something you dream of, but there’s also some melancholy. He remarked, “I’m honored to do it one last time and would like to end with a strong performance.”

Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi, South Africa’s normal captains, are both unwell and will be replaced by Aiden Markram. Heinrich Klaasen will enter the middle order after Tristan Stubbs opens the batting.

“I’m glad to pursue a formidable English squad. Not too sour. Bavuma and de Zorzi are unfortunate to lose out, but perhaps they will become better. We had a few training sessions after our last game (against Australia) was rained off, and we are prepared for this one,” he said.

Using XIs

England: Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Philip Salt

Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aiden Markram (captain), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Liungi Ngidi, and South Africa