England player ratings from opening Cricket World Cup win over South Africa

England made the perfect start to their 2019 Cricket World Cup campaign with a 104-run victory over South Africa at The Oval.

Ben Stokes’ 89 and fifties from Jason Roy, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan helped the hosts post 311-8 in south London.

Jofra Archer then took three wickets as the Proteas fell well short of the target, despite Quinton de Kock’s 68 and Rassie van der Dussen’f fifty.

Top-ranked England are bidding to win the 50-over World Cup for the first time in history and will be more than satisfied with their efforts in the tournament curtain-raiser.

Jason Roy – 3/5

Far from his most fluent fifty in an England shirt, but steadied the innings after losing his opening partner in the first over.

Jonny Bairstow – 1/5

Golden duck. Played down the wrong line to the second ball of the match, sparking the first wild Imran Tahir celebration of the summer.

Joe Root – 3/5

Looked in great touch, reaching fifty off 56 balls, before picking out JP Duminy at point. His dismissal, three balls after Roy’s, left England in a spot of bother.

Eoin Morgan – 4/5

The only England batsman to clear the boundary, with his impressive 57 including seven boundaries. Picked out long-off just when England hoped to kick on. Led his team to victory.

Ben Stokes – 5/5

England’s top-scorer. Made a scrappy start to his innings but quickly found his rhythm to ensure the hosts passed 300. Also took three wickets, an incredible catch and a run-out. Player of the match.

Jos Buttler – 1/5

Knocked it around for 15 balls before playing on to South Africa’s most successful bowler, Lungi Ngidi, who finished with three wickets.

Moeen Ali – 2/5

A scratchy three from nine balls was not what England needed in the final ten overs of their innings. Was expensive with the ball but at least chipped in with a wicket.

Chris Woakes – 2/5

Bowled a tidy opening spell but was upstaged by his junior opening partner, Jofra Archer.

Adil Rashid – 4/5

The best spinner on show, which is no mean feat given Imran Tahir was in the opposition dressing room. Deserved more than his one scalp.

Liam Plunkett – 4/5

A typical Liam Plunkett performance. Hit the pitch hard, got the big wicket of Quinton de Kock and another later on. Rarely lets England down.

Jofra Archer – 5/5

Another eye-opening spell, reaching speeds of 95mph. Took three wickets and also forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt with a fierce bouncer than clattered into his grill. A real find.