ENG vs AUS: 3rd ODI, Preview- England set their eyes firmly on series win

The Aussies will have pride to play for as the hosts eye a series win.

Published - 18 Jun 2018, 17:11 IST | Updated - 18 Jun 2018, 17:11 IST

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Liam Plunkett (L) and Jason Roy of England celebrate the wicket of Marcus Stoinis

Australia, playing under Tim Paine for the first time are staring a series loss against England. After slumping to defeat in the first two ODIs against England, they will be playing the 3rd ODI on Tuesday. The Australian team is already 2-0 in the series and England will be looking to go hard in the 3rd ODI and win the series. Also, this is the first series that Australia is playing in the absence of Steve Smith after the duo was banned post the ball-tampering saga.

It will be an uphill task for the Aussies to win the series from here. Their major concerns will surround their batting going into the 3rd ODI. The absence of Warner and Smith can be clearly felt in the batting order. They have tried two different opening combinations in the first two games only to find very little success. The bowling, on the other hand, has been decent enough. The bowlers will have to look to focus on curtailing the run flow apart from picking wickets.

England has got their act together beautifully and wouldn’t want to step their foot off the pedal. They will look to keep the pressure on the new-look Aussies and possibly also eye a clean sweep. Also, they were brilliant in all the aspects of the game thus far and will want to carry on the good work. Their goal ahead of the 3rd ODI is very clear – Win the match, Take home the series!

Team Combinations

England

Quite obviously, one might be seeing a few changes in the English lineup from the previous ODI. Eoin Morgan, who missed out due to a back spasm is likely to make a comeback into the XI. He will replace Sam Billings in the lineup. Rest of the lineup looks quite settled. There could be a temptation to bring Tom Curran in but it will be interesting if the management decides to go ahead with this move. Openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow will hold onto their positions. Alex Hales, who missed out in the first two games is due for a big one.

With Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan, the middle order looks strong. Moeen Ali and David Willey will fulfil the roles of all-rounders in the side. Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood will shoulder the bowling responsibilities. England will fancy the other changes in the next games if they win this one.

Predicted XI

Jason Roy, Johnny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, David Willey, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Australia

Meanwhile, the Aussies have struggled with their openers. The onus is on Travis Head to provide the side with a good start. We could see Alex Carey in place of D’Arcy Short. Shaun Marsh will cling onto the No 3 spot while we might witness Glenn Maxwell being promoted up the order. The ambiguity with the form of Aaron Finch will continue. However, they will possibly give him another opportunity for sure. Also, we could see Marcus Stoinis being dropped. He hasn’t been able to deliver and Micheal Neser could get a go.

Tim Paine will lead the side and also double up as the wicketkeeper. Ashton Agar will be the other all-rounder in the side. Furthermore, Billy Stanlake will come back in for Jhye Richardson who hasn’t been that great in the 2nd ODI. Andrew Tye and Kane Richardson will be the other two bowlers in the side.

Predicted XI

Alex Carey/D’Arcy Short, Travis Head, Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch, Tim Paine (C&WK), Micheal Neser, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Andrew Tye, Billy Stanlake

Players to watch out for

England

Alex Hales- England

Alex Hales is due for a big knock. He has been one of the important figures of this new look English side. However, he failed to score quickly in the two games thus far. Also, he hasn’t been able to score big and looked uncomfortable batting at No 3. So, he will be looking to fire in all cylinders in this game and make an impact.

Travis Head- Australia

Just like Hales, Travis Head also failed to create an impact so far. He will play a very important role if Australia will have to do anything in the series. After having lost terribly to England back home earlier this season, the Aussies will be looking to better their performance at least now.