ENG Vs IND, 2018: Third ODI, Headingley - England's Predicted XI

With the series at stake, hosts England team is confident to seal the series when they take on India in the third and final One-day International at Headingley on July 17 (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, the Eoin Morgan-led team came from behind to level the series courtesy a comfortable win by 86 runs at the Lord’s Stadium in London. They absolutely turned around their performance to crawl back in the gruelling series.

The likes of Joe Root did an exceptional job with the bat after a good start by the openers. David Willey and Morgan came in later to guide the hosts to a massive score. The bowlers backed their batsmen and defended the score brilliantly at the end.

Fast bowler Liam Plunkett along with the spinners contained a heavyweight batting unit. The Englishmen will be desperate to keep this momentum going and complete their revenge of the Twenty20 International series.

Morgan recently urged this series win is more important than retaining their top rankings in the 50-over format. He further feels this will be a huge morale booster for his side – to beat a world-class team like India with the 2019 World Cup in sight.

However, the management will be reluctant to make any changes in the winning combination.

Apart from injuries, Morgan has hardly shuffled his team and will look to build a side with the mega tournament looming ahead.

Here is the predicted line-up of the hosts:

JASON ROY:

Jason Roy has been in good touch providing England with fiery starts. However, he has struggled to capitalise on the brisk starts to notch big scores.

Roy will be keen to cash in and make a big score in the third ODI in Leeds.

JONNY BAIRSTOW:

Jonny Bairstow has been in his form of late scoring almost in all the games. However, in the ongoing series, big scores haven’t come yet. He will be keen to make it up in the final game.

JOE ROOT:

Joe Root stamped his authority with a match-winning century in the last game, thus putting rest to all speculations over his ODI spot.

Root has the capability to pace his innings according to situations and will be a key member in the series-decider.

EOIN MORGAN (c)

Eoin Morgan has led this team brilliantly to take his team at the pinnacle of ODI rankings.

Moreover, the southpaw has been fantabulous with the bat as well chipping in with useful contributions.

Morgan has laid the importance of this series win and will give his all to win it.

BEN STOKES:

England’s premier all-rounder Ben Stokes has struggled to get going since his return from injury.

However, he is pivotal to this team and the management will want him to hit the form as early as possible.

JOS BUTTLER (wk):

Jos Buttler has been scoring most of the runs for the English side recently and will look to carry on with it. He will be an important component against Indian spinners in those crucial middle-overs.

MOEEN ALI:

After struggling in the first game, Moeen Ali returned to form in the last outing. He bowled great line and length to keep Mahendra Singh Dhoni in check. He will once again bestow the role of containing runs in the final game.

Moeen will also look to contribute with the bat when necessary.

DAVID WILLEY:

David Willey played a late cameo at Lord’s to guide his team to a huge total. Furthermore, he has been consistent with the ball as well and will be keen to continue with his job.

LIAM PLUNKETT:

The veteran all-rounder Liam Plunkett was brilliant with the ball in the last game returning with four wickets. He single-handedly crashed India’s middle-order and will have the responsibility to replicate it.

Moreover, Plunkett provides depth to the batting order and has the ability to clear the big grounds.

ADIL RASHID:

The leg-spinner Adil Rashid did an exceptional job at Lord’s to keep the star-studded Indian line-up at check.

Rashid has bowled well recently and will have to continue his job if England wants to bag the series.

MARK WOOD:

The 28-year-old Mark Wood didn’t have a great series so far returning with only one wicket.

Meanwhile, this will be his opportunity to make a mark and present his case to the national selectors of England.

Also read: Azhar Ali signs contract with English Club Somerset