England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI- England’s Predicted XI

Having sealed the series against Sri Lanka, England might have a few changes in their playing XI for the final game. Several players who have played in the first two games might be rested with a few new faces to be a part of the squad. Having won the series, they have firmed their position at the top in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. They are topping the table with 60 points from 11 games with five losses.

Ringing in the changes is also a part of England’s rotational policy to test their bench strength. In this article, we take a look at what playing XI the side might field in the final game.

England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI- England’s Predicted XI

Tom Banton

Banton has been roped in to the side for the final game in place of Dawid Malan. He should open the batting with both Bairstow and Roy likely to be rested for the final game. He made his debut against New Zealand last year and has played six ODIs so far.

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Liam Livingstone

He is an opener in franchise T20 leagues but batted in the middle-order in the first game of the series. He was dropped for the second game with the regular players available. However, with the regular openers likely to be rested, Livingstone is deemed for a comeback.

Joe Root

On his comeback, Root has been the highest scorer of the series so far. He has scored 147 runs in the two games so far without getting dismissed. He will hold onto his number three spot.

Eoin Morgan

Morgan will follow Root at number four. He hit a 75 in the second ODI to take his team over the line. Under Morgan, England has been a confident bunch so far and are sniffing another series win against a paltry Sri Lankan side. He has also led the team beautifully as a captain with his bowling changes.

Sam Billings

Despite not having done too much with the bat, Billings will hold onto his place as a part of England’s rotational policy. The openers batting well followed by Root anchoring the innings has not allowed Billings to score many runs. He will seek some crucial runs in the final game.

Chris Woakes

After delivering a match-winning performance in the first game, Woakes was rested for the second. He will replace Mark Wood in the playing XI. With his all-round abilities, he will slot in at number six in the line-up. He is third on the list of highest wicket-takers in the series so far with 4 wickets from the first game.

Moeen Ali

The versatile Moeen Ali will slot in at number seven He can also bat at number six if the team management thinks so. In the first two games, Ali has picked one wicket with the likes of Woakes, David Willey, and Sam Curran doing the job.

Tom Curran

Tom has not taken many wickets in recent times. He has taken just 3 in his last 11 ODIs for England. However, despite that, he will hold onto his place for the final game. He will play instead of his brother Sam, who is most likely to be rested after picking up a fifer in the second game.

Liam Dawson

Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson might replace Adil Rashid in the playing XI for the third game. All this is a part of the team management’s rotational policy. Rashid has not been amongst the wickets in the series and thus might be rested for the final game.

George Garton

The youngster was added into the squad for the ODI series is likely to make his debut in Bristol. He provides a left-arm bowling option and is very close to how Sam Curran bowls. He has a bit more speed than Curran and would hope to leave a mark on the game.

David Willey

Willey completes the playing XI that England is most likely to field in the final game against Sri Lanka. Willey has picked up seven wickets in two games, the most by any bowler in the series so far.

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