ENG vs AUS: Tim Paine declared fit for the must-win ODI; Key player in doubt

Australia are facing a peculiar situation in the ongoing five-match ODI series against England. They have lost the first couple of matches and will now have to win the third ODI to keep the series alive. Their skipper Tim Paine has been declared fit for the must-win encounter as the ball was hit on his face while wicketkeeping during the second match in Cardiff. However, they have been jolted with an injury concern to their key player ahead of the match.

The Men in Yellow are struggling to find the right combination so far and have gone down fighting in both the ODIs. They have been lacking the killing instinct in both batting and bowling departments and need to find a way of getting past the strong England side somehow. It will be a day-night affair at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham and the hosts are favourites to clinch the series.

Who is injured?

Glenn Maxwell is in doubt for the third One-Day International as he was confined to light duties during the training session according to cricket.com.au. He is struggling with the tight hamstrings and the physio kept a close eye on him during the training. Maxwell walked the laps of Trent Bridge and did some throwing on his own ahead of the game but was largely a spectator which has put his participation in doubt for the must-win encounter.

He scored a vital half-century in the first match and looked in the groove in Cardiff as well as Australia will need his exploits if they are hoping to reduce England’s lead in the series.

There are also chances of Billy Stanlake getting back to the playing XI for this game after missing the Cardiff ODI due to the toe injury. The visitors will be buoyed by his return but it seems that the final decision will be taken just before the game.

[interaction id=”5b27a9df42cbb745671a7b23″]

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates