5 reasons why England can seal the ODI series

5 reasons why England can seal the ODI series: A week ago, Australia was leading the five-match ODI series against England 2-0, and was determined to ensure it didn’t come away from its two-and-a-half-month tour empty-handed. Fast forward to today, the situation is markedly different. England have scripted an inspired comeback and managed to make it 2-2 before the decider at Old Trafford. They have the momentum and it shouldn’t surprise anybody if they topple the visitors in Manchester to win the series.

Here are the 5 reasons why England can seal the ODI series:

1. Confidence from their last meeting in Manchester:

The hosts will enter the venue, where they beat their opponents by a whopping 93 runs in the 3rd ODI, in a positive state of mind. That win was fashioned by a brilliant century by James Taylor and some exemplary display of spin bowling by Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. The English batters showed that runs on the board can put the best of batting line ups under pressure. The way Aussies capitulated to the spin twins would give the hosts plenty of hope going into the decider.

2. Injuries to key Aussie players:

Australia have been severely dented by injuries to vital one day members like David Warner and Shane Watson. Warner was hit by a rising Finn delivery in the second ODI while Watson is suffering from a calf strain. Their experience could have been crucial in a crunch game like this. Though Finch has played a good knock, somewhat making up for Warner’s absence Burns has blown hot and cold in the 4 games. Mitchell Starc, who was rested due to fitness issues is not sure of playing in the decider, and if he is unable to make it, England will have a distinct upper hand.

3. Eoin Morgan leading from the front:

Morgan personifies everything about England’s brave new era, leading from the front with a never-say-die attitude. The 92 on Friday was his third consecutive half-century of the series. His great form is reflecting in his captaincy as well as he has out foxed Smith in every department in the last 2 games. His partnership with James Taylor in the 3^rd ODI has so far turned out to be a series defining moment for England. Having made 599 runs in his last 9 international innings, another good knock from the skipper will make the host’s chances of a memorable series victory that much more strong.

4. A rejuvenated side determined to change its ODI fortunes:

Having come back from behind to win the ODI series against a strong Kiwi side earlier this summer seems to have given the England their new-found mojo of success. They chased big scores against New Zealand with considerable ease and have sparked to life after the second ODI of the ongoing series. We do not need proof of how difficult it can be to beat a side in form and with Old Trafford expected to attract a good crowd, the Aussies will surely feel the heat. Moreover, recent records also suggest that the visitors find it tough to arrest a slide once it starts.

5. The key players performing well at crucial stages:

England have both its departments clicking in tandem. Morgan, James Taylor and Jason Roy are the top three run-scorers of the series so far, while Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali have been amongst the wickets. With the pitch expected to turn as it did in the 3^rd ODI, the spin twins will be licking their lips. David Willey, who replaced Steven Finn at Headingley, returned with impressive figures of 3 for 51. With most of the batsmen having found their touch and the bowlers performing well as a unit, it won’t be unjust if we expect them to overpower the World champions for a consecutive 3^rd time.