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The first ODI series post coronavirus pandemic kicked-off in Manchester between England and Ireland on Thursday (July 30), where the hosts won the contest by 6 wickets.
England were playing in the absence of their core players like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler, still the Eoin Morgan-led side managed to trounce their neighbouring team easily.
In the first ODI England opted to bowl and the Irish top order collapsed severely. However, then lower-order batsman Curtis Campher rose to the occasion and played an unbeaten knock of 59 runs. He was well assisted by Andy McBrine who played a crucial 40-run knock. The duo helped their side to post 172 runs on board.
In response, the English batsmen did not have a comfortable start as they lost their top three within 59 runs. But, Sam Billings (67 not out) and Eoin Morgan (36) stepped up and guided their side to cross the line with 22.1 overs to spare.
Now the teams would be focusing on the second ODI which will be played on Saturday (August 1) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The match will start at 11:00 AM local time (10 AM GMT).
Predicted XI
England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wk), James Vince, Eoin Morgan (c), Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, Saqib Mahmood
Ireland: Paul Stirling, William Porterfield, Gareth Delany, Andy Balbirnie (c), Kevin O’Brien, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Peter Chase, Craig Young
Pitch Report
The first ODI gave clear hints that the pitch will be a good wicket to bat on and if England gets to bat first, then they may put up a mammoth total on board.
Fantasy XI suggestions
Suggestion #1:
Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Gareth Delany, Eoin Morgan, Curtis Campher, Sam Billings, James Vince, Andy McBrine, Saqib Mahmood, David Willey, Craig Young.
Captain: Jason Roy, Vice-Captain: Andy McBrine
Suggestion #2:
Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Gareth Delany, Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, Sam Billings, Tom Banton, Andy McBrine, Saqib Mahmood, David Willey, Craig Young.
Captain: Curtis Campher, Vice-Captain: David Willey
