England vs India, 3rd ODI: England Predicted XI

England breathed life into the ODI series by clinching an important win over the Indians at Lord’s in the second ODI. The 86-run win witnesses both sides entering the third and final ODI of the series in a winner takes all contest in Leeds. One of the biggest changes one noticed between the two matches was the Kuldeep Yadav factor. However, Eoin Morgan and his band of merry men ensured that this would certainly not pose any serious threat or problem.

Going into the third and final ODI, the Brits would be looking at continuity as a large factor, something that has worked for them in the 5-0 hammering of Australia and more importantly in the ODI at Lord’s. An issue they will certainly be hoping to address in the game would be the possible bowling partnerships to be forged so that there are little or no problems when it comes to fatigue between the bowlers.

That said, here is how the Brits are expected to line up in the final ODI of the series.

Openers: Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow

One thing the English team management will be looking not to tweak would be the opening pair of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. Both these players have been in fantastic form in recent times and will certainly be looking to continue the same. Moreover, if they get going, it is almost certain that the hosts achieve a big score, as many witnessed in the final ODI against the Aussies. Eoin Morgan and Trevor Bayliss will certainly be hoping that the duo makes it count at Leeds.

Middle-order: Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C)

Joe Root slammed a fantastic century in Lord’s, something that eventually saw him win the man of the match award. However, what was more impressive was the fact that he was able to negotiate the spin bowling from the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Root’s century coupled with some fantastic batting from Eoin Morgan certainly makes them an efficient pair when it comes to batting in the middle innings and the middle overs.

Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler

With the bat, Jos Buttler’s ability was never in question. However, given his recent form and other exploits batting in the middle of the innings has certainly made him an indispensable part of the England unit. In addition to this, his vision from behind the stumps makes him all the more valuable to Eoin Morgan who sets the field accordingly.

All-rounders: Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali

The first ODI was a rather forgettable one for Ben Stokes as he huffed and puffed his way to a half-century in 102 deliveries. His inability to read the wrong ones bowled by Kuldeep set some doubts in the minds of the selectors for the ODIs. Moeen Ali’s performance in the second ODI was massively impressive as he managed to pick wickets in tandem and prove to be the perfect foil for Adil Rashid.

Bowlers: David Willey, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood

While there have been concerns regarding the fatigue, the Brits may well go ahead with the same bowling unit that won the match for them at Lord’s. David Willey was useful with the bat down the order for the hosts while Liam Plunkett bowled as fast as ever. Mark Wood and Adil Rashid too chipped in with wickets, with the latter claiming the priceless wicket of Virat Kohli. Needless to say, one would expect more of the same from the bowlers.

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