Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, James Pattinson likely to play together for first time in 3rd England vs Australia ODI

The third One-Day International (ODI) between England and Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester could witness the trio of Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins play together in the same team for the first time international cricket. Pattinson, who has not been given an opportunity in the series so far, is more than likely to join Starc and Cummins after Nathan Coulter-Nile was ruled out of the ongoing series due to a hamstring injury. Pattinson last appeared in an ODI against the same opposition at Perth on January 2014, one of the 13 appearances in the 50-over format. Other likely replacements for the Australian team are Ashton Agar in for the injured all-rounder Shane Watson, while Aaron Finch is confirmed to open the innings for Australia in place of David Warner, who was ruled out of the remainder of the tour due to a thumb injury. SCORECARD: England vs Australia, 3rd ODI at Manchester

Australia are currently leading the five-match ODI series 2-0 after their commanding 64-run victory in the second game at Lord’s on Saturday. The visitors have been dealt with a severe blow ahead of the third game with the series of injuries. Injured opener Warner however, was confident of Pattinson excelling in the remainder of the matches. READ: Nathan Coulter-Nile latest Australian to pick injury

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“Jimmy’s bowling well. In the nets he’s bowling quite heavy [ball] and good control. He’s always a guy who’s ready to go and always hungry to play for Australia or whatever team he plays for. I’m looking forward to seeing him come out if he gets the opportunity and all our players are ready to go,” Warner was quoted as saying according to a report on The Age.

Earlier, John Hastings and Peter Handscomb were announced as the replacements for Watson and Coulter-Nile. The chances of selection for the relatively inexperienced duo, with Handscomb yet to make his international debut, is unlikely with the number of players in the current squad who haven’t been tried as yet. PREVIEW: England vs Australia 2015, 3rd ODI at Manchester