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England vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI at Cardiff: Likely XI for hosts

England head into this fixture leading the series 2-0.

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England won the fourth ODI by six wickets © Getty Images
England won the fourth ODI by six wickets © Getty Images

The fifth and final One Day International (ODI) between England and Sri Lanka will bring curtains on what has been an brilliant 50-over series between the two nations. The hosts lead the series 2-0, and the permutations are very clear. Sri Lanka cannot win the series, but can salvage some pride with a morale-boosting win. Their tour started off in the worst possible manner, as they convincingly lost the Test series 2-0. But their fightback in the ODI series has to be admired. The quality of cricket from both the nations have to be appreciated. Right from the first ODI, which ended in a tie to the fourth ODI, which saw a Jason Roy special, the 50-over series has given fans a lot to cheer about. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: England vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI match

England head into the fifth ODI knowing regardless of the result, they have already won the series. But knowing this English side, they will give it their all to win this fixture and make it a clean sweep. Ahead of the game, let’s take a look at the probable XI they may play on this occasion.

Top Order: Jason Roy seems to have finally come off age, and has given his side assurance at top of the order. He has already amassed 282 runs in four innings, and looks set to end this series as the leading run-scorer. His 162 in the previous ODI was a clear example of his talent. He will be partnered by Alex Hales, who surprisingly did not come at the top, nor got to bat in the previous game. The experiment to give Moeen Ali a chance at top failed, so expect Hales to return to normalcy.  A position where has been hugely successful in both the Test and ODI series. ALSO READ: ENG vs SL, 5th ODI at Cardiff, Predictions and Preview

At No.3 is the ever dependable Joe Root, who despite the talent , has struggled in this tour. He failed to get runs in the Test series, and hasn’t been at his best in the ODIs as well. Yet, the ability he possess is unquestionable, and expect him to take forward the confidence from the last game, where he scored 65.

Middle Order: After him, skipper Eoin Morgan comes in. Despite excelling in his captaincy, his batting form has been quite ordinary. While he hasn’t done poorly, he hasn’t shown enough in the middle order. After him comes the star of the Test series Jonny Bairstow. The wicketkeeper-batsman was in the form of his life in Tests, which earned him a place in the ODI squad.

After them comes the dangerous Jos Buttler, who is the game changer of the side. Despite playing at No.5 or 6 in most of the games, he has done really well to amass 110 runs in two innings, including a-93 in the first ODI. The all-rounder is to be filled by Moeen Ali, whose place in the side is hanging because of an injury to Ben Stokes. Despite his ability to get runs as well as bowl few good overs, he has struggled to get going in the series. Expect him to put up a strong show under pressure.

Lower Order: England have gone in with three fast-bowlers and a spinner in each of the four games, and expect nothing to change. The trio of David Willey, Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett have bowled exceptionally well to restrict their opponents to a low score time and again. They have been duly supported by Adil Rashid, who has scalped 4 wickets despite the fact pitches haven’t favored the spinner.

England probable XI: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Adil Rashid

(R Narayan is a reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His Twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)

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