Published: Sep 08, 2015, 08:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 08, 2015, 10:25 AM (IST)
The Australian set-up may be struggling for a suitable combination to continue dominating the One-Day International (ODI) series due to injuries, but England are already struggling with a few facets of their game without them. Their opening and death bowling have been unable to prevent big hits, and after decent starts by their top order, they have crumbled in the middle to effectively end the contest comfortably. Abhishek Mukherjee predicts the likely XI for England for their third ODI against Australia in Manchester. SCORECARD: England vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Manchester
There are two left-arm bowlers in England squad who are yet to be given a chance to make an impact. Besides the novelty of facing a newbie, Australia will also be given a variety from their fast-bowling wardrobe. Steven Finn, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes are all right arm fast-medium. Essex’s Reece Topley and Northamptonshire’s David Willey are left-armers, and the inclusion of any one of them can provide the opposition with something new to deal with.
One of Finn and Woakes, for they have played both ODIs so far and have not been noticeably impressive, can sit out to make way for one of Willey and Topley. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid, the highest wicket-taker for England this series and the only bowler who has troubled Australia, is likely to share his spin responsibilities with Moeen Ali, the all-round capabilities of whom will help England retain him. READ: England vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Manchester: Will Ben Stokes’ incident strengthen England’s resolve?
The players to make an impression in the series so far have been the opening duo of Jason Roy and Alex Hales. The first ODI looked to be heading for a nice climax when the two put on 70 in 11.1 overs, chasing 306 to win, before a belligerent act too many compelled Hales to part with his wicket. He got out to an impressive catch at short cover, in a proactive piece of captaincy, to Steven Smith, in the next game. Roy has been the more prolific of the two: he has hit 17 fours so far in his knocks of 67 and 31, to show his expertise at his role of creating an impact upfront.
James Taylor, at No. 3, looked to be leading his team towards the target with a creative 49 in the first match, before gifting his wicket away as he stepped down the track to Shane Watson. He played well in the next match, too, before his attempt to run a ball from a fast bowler, Mitchell Marsh, down to third man, ended his stay. Morgan has been solid and aggressive: his 87 at Lord’s, studded with four fours and a six, was a signal of intent. READ: Jonny Bairstow replaces Jos Buttler for remainder of England vs Australia 2015 series
But No. 5 Ben Stokes onwards, the batting has crumbled. Ali and Jos Buttler, the two capable batsmen, have not made much impact, and the tail is blown away by the fast-bowling menace of Australia pretty quickly. The inclusion of Jonny Bairstow in the line-up may prove profitable given the form of the Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman.
England (likely XI): Jason Roy, Alex Hales, James Taylor, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Liam Plunkett, Steven Finn
(Abhishek Mukherjee is a reporter with CricketCountry. His Twitter handle is @bhejafryyy)
