England vs Ireland 2020: 2nd ODI, Preview: Hosts Aim To Seal The Series As Irishmen Seek Rebound

Despite Ireland’s best efforts, they remained unsuccessful in toppling a second-string English team in Southampton on Thursday. Similar to how Kevin O’Brien was the lone man fighting in their only win against England nine years ago, debutant Curtis Campher was their man in the first ODI. The all-rounder’s battling half-century was the shining light in an otherwise underwhelming batting performance.

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However, in defence of a paltry 172 after being 28-5 at one stage, Ireland did have their moments too. They limited England’s destructive opening pair of Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy to only 12 before having them four down with 95 still to get. However, the Irishmen, with a bowler down in Barry McCarthy, who trudged off the field after bowling only five deliveries and missing Mark Adair could not withstand the onslaught by Sam Billings and Eoin Morgan.

Sam Billings, in particular, looked quite settled at the crease even with his reverse sweeps cuts while Morgan looked imperious in his own right too. The two shared a 96-run stand to fire England to an emphatic after David Willey bagged his first ODI fifer to earn the man of the match award. England’s bowlers remained on top of the tourists almost the whole time with Tom Curran’s economy of 5.28 the most that they conceded.

While Curtis Campher gritty batting and a wicket-taking bowling spell were arguably positives, the Irish batsmen lacked the temperament and technique in Southampton. Captain Andy Balbirnie and deputy Paul Stirling will have to lead the way in assisting their hardworking and economical bowlers. Ahead of a do or die game, the visitors almost look certain to bring in a replacement for McCarthy, who tweaked a hamstring and did not bowl further on Thursday.

Playing combinations:

England:

The home side would most likely stick to the combination they fielded on Thursday to seal the series. The top-order including Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Tom Banton, and James Vince would want to make a mark after their meek display in the first.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wk), James Vince, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Eoin Morgan (wk), Moeen Ali, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, Saqib Mahmood

Ireland:

While Ireland’s batting order might remain the same, Barry McCarthy is likely to make way for Boyd Rankin or Josh Little.

Probable XI: Paul Stirling, Gareth Delany, Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Kevin O’Brien, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, Simi Singh, Andy Mcbrine, Boyd Rankin/Josh Little, Craig Young

Pitch report:

The pitch at the Ageas Bowl is expected to remain the same as it was on Thursday. The bowlers found early movement initially before the batsmen found it easy to get going.

Weather report:

The temperature on Saturday is likely to hover between 16-23 degree Celcius. Brief showers might likely pour in on the afternoon; however, the climate would mostly remain sunny throughout.

Head to head:

Head to head – 11
England – 9
Ireland – 1
No result – 1

Stats that matter:

87- Andy Balbirnie needs 88 more to complete 2000 runs in ODI cricket.

3 – Adil Rashid needs three wickets to become the first England spinner to reach 150 ODI scalps.

Match prediction:

Ireland did give England a real run for their money in defence of 172 on Thursday; however, even England’s second-string squad looks good enough to seal the series. However, the tourists will not go down without a fight.

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