After the successful Test series, England will now host the first One-Day International (ODI) series post coronavirus pandemic. The Eoin Morgan-led side will take on their neighbours Ireland in the three-match ODI series beginning from Thursday (July 30) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
It is going to be a crucial series for both the teams as it will be a part of the recently-announced ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Each point the Irish team gets in the Super League would cement their place in the World Cup qualification. Whereas, for England, it will be an opportunity to try out new players in the absence of some of their ODI regulars who will be busy in fulfilling their red-ball assignments.
Also, this is the first ODI series that England will play in home conditions after their historic World Cup triumph at Lord’s in July 2019. All three matches against Ireland will take place in Southampton due to the biosecurity protocols. Just like the recent Test series against Windies, there will be no spectators in the stadium.
England vs Ireland Probable XIs:
England
Since the Test players are not permitted to get out of the biosecure bubble, the ODI side has a different look altogether. Fans will miss the magic of Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
However, Jonny Bairstow and Joy Roy will be seen along with Tom Curran, who in the absence of regular bowlers, will more likely to lead the pace attack featuring David Willey and Saqib Mahmood. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid will form the spin bowling attack.
James Vince will bat at No. 3 in Root’s absence, while Sam Billings and Tom Banton are expected to play the role of finishers.
Predicted XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wk), James Vince, Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Tom Banton, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
Ireland
James McCollum and Paul Stirling, are expected to open the innings, followed by current skipper Andrew Balbirnie and former leader William Porterfield at No.3 and 4.
Kevin O Brien, as usual, will be Ireland’s trump-card down the order at No. 6, whereas the experienced duo of Boyd Rankin and Josh Little will lead the bowling attack.
Also, Balbirnie on the eve of the game has confirmed that Ireland would likely have a bowling all-rounder in the form of Simi Singh at 7.
Predicted XI: Paul Stirling, James McCollum, Andrew Balbirnie (c), William Porterfield, Gary Wilson (wk), Kevin O Brien, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Boyd Rankin.
Here are the fantasy XI suggestions:
Fantasy Suggestion #1:
Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Eoin Morgan, Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, Moeen Ali, Simi Singh, Saqib Mahmood, David Willey, Boyd Rankin, Adil Rashid and Josh Little.
Captain: Jonny Bairstow, Vice-Captain: Boyd Rankin
Fantasy Suggestion #2:
Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, James Vince, William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Tom Banton, Simi Singh, Tom Curran, David Willey, Adil Rashid and Josh Little
Captain: Jason Roy, Vice-Captain: Paul Stirling
Pitch Report
The wicket at Ageas Bowl generally produces a good batting track for limited-overs cricket. The pitch is likely to offer even bounce and minimal seam movement. It could turn out to be a high scoring game but still the captain winning the toss would probably like to field first.
