England vs Australia, 3rd ODI, Manchester, Preview: England's Proud Home Record On The Line As Australia Eye A Rare ODI Series Win Away From Home

England will square-off against Australia in the final One-day International of the three-match series at the bio-secure Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

England will believe that they got out of jail in the last game as they pulled off a massive heist despite being in a precarious position with both bat and ball.

On a two-paced track, the world champions were staring at a series defeat when they were reduced to 8-149 before vital knocks from the duo of Adil Rashid and Tom Curran paved way for them to eventually post 9-231 in 50 overs. Then, while defending their target, they once look liked staring down the barrel with Aaron Finch and Marnus Labuschagne stitching a valiant 3rd wicket stand of 107.

Also Read- England vs Australia 2020, 3rd ODI, Manchester: England Predicted XI

England displayed why they are the white-ball side in the world currently in their last game against Australia

But Eoin Morgan once again displayed why he is one of the leading white-ball leaders of the current era. Sensing the need for taking wickets, Morgan brought back strike bowlers in Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer, which in the end proved to be a masterstroke as the duo not only broke the stand but also proceeded to kickstart a collapse that saw Australia lose their next four wickets for mere three runs.

Australia’s collapse of 8-63 and an eventual defeat was not only a reflection of England’s ability to win games from losing position, but it also was a reflection of their shoddy middle-order and their inability to close out games in pressure situations, something Aaron Finch and Justin Langer would hope that it isn’t the case when the sides lock horns in the series decider.

 

 

Playing combinations:

England:

England are likely to go in with the same playing XI that beat Australia in the 2nd ODI.

Probable XI: Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Billings, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer

 

Australia:

Steve Smith should back into the side after having missed out on the first two games due to the blow that he got on his head during practice. In that case, Marcus Stoinis will most probably make way.

Probable XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labushchagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (c), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa.

 

Pitch conditions:

We can expect a lot more runs in the third One-day International as compared to the first two games as the match will be played on a fresh pitch.

 

Weather conditions:

According to the weather forecast, it is expected to be an overcast day in Manchester on September. While the temperature is set to hover between 14-18 degrees Celsius while the humidity will be around 78 percent. That said, the chances of rain are minimal.

Head to head:

Played – 151

Won by England – 63

Won by Australia – 83

Tied – 2

No result – 3

Stats that matter:

2015– The last time England lost an ODI series on home soil. Interestingly, it was also against Australia. Will history repeat itself or will the world champions continue with their proud record?

38– Number of runs Joe Root requires to complete 6000 ODI runs.

 

Match prediction:

England showed in the last game that they handle pressure situations better than Australia. Backing the Eoin Morgan-led unit to make it 2-1.