Predicted Playing XI of England in 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka

England will face Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI of the series at The Kia Oval in London on Sunday, September 27. The series is level at 1-1 after Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory in the second ODI at Headingley, setting up a decisive contest. England will, however, have to make at least one change after Jos Buttler was ruled out of the series decider with a hamstring injury.

Buttler played a key role in England’s chase in Leeds, scoring 69 before eventually being dismissed. He had earlier retired hurt after suffering the hamstring problem but returned late in the innings as England attempted to chase down Sri Lanka’s total. The England vice-captain’s absence leaves a significant gap in the batting and wicketkeeping departments.

Dan Lawrence has been called into the England squad as Buttler’s replacement and will train with the team at The Oval. England’s original ODI squad also includes Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.

Here is the predicted playing XI of England for the third ODI against Sri Lanka:

1. Tom Banton (WK)

Tom Banton is expected to continue at the top of the order and could take over the wicketkeeping duties following Buttler’s injury.

Banton opened alongside Ben Duckett in the first ODI and has been part of England’s preferred white-ball setup throughout the Sri Lanka series. His aggressive approach makes him an important powerplay batter, while taking the gloves would allow England to maintain a similar team balance.

2. Ben Duckett

Ben Duckett should retain his place as Banton’s opening partner. The left-hander is one of England’s most aggressive ODI batters and will be expected to put pressure on Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack.

His ability to manipulate the field and score quickly against both pace and spin makes him an important component of England’s top order.

3. Joe Root

Joe Root is likely to continue at No. 3. The experienced batter provides a different dimension to England’s aggressive top order, particularly when the side loses an early wicket.

Root’s ability to rotate the strike and build an innings will be important at The Oval, especially against Sri Lanka’s spin options.

4. Harry Brook (C)

Harry Brook will lead England in the series decider. The right-hander has been central to England’s white-ball setup and was appointed ODI captain earlier this year.

Brook will also be looking to make a significant contribution with the bat after Sri Lanka levelled the series in Leeds. His attacking strokeplay can change the momentum of an innings in a short period.

5. Dan Lawrence

Dan Lawrence could make his ODI return after being called into the squad as Buttler’s replacement. The Surrey batter has been rewarded with a late call-up after Buttler’s hamstring injury.

Lawrence provides England with a technically sound middle-order option and could slot directly into the position vacated by Buttler. The third ODI would also give him an opportunity to make an immediate impact after joining the squad at short notice.

6. Will Jacks

Will Jacks should retain his place after producing important performances during the ODI series. He has also demonstrated his value as a part-time off-spinner, giving Brook another bowling option.

Jacks scored 52 in England’s second-ODI chase, although his dismissal was part of the late collapse that allowed Sri Lanka to win by 16 runs.

7. Rehan Ahmed

Rehan Ahmed is expected to continue as England’s spin-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and leg-spin provides balance to the XI.

With Sri Lanka possessing several players capable of handling pace, Rehan could again have an important role during the middle overs.

8. Jamie Overton

Jamie Overton should retain his position as the pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to generate pace and provide lower-order hitting gives England additional flexibility.

Overton was dismissed for two in the second ODI, but England are likely to back his overall skill set for the series decider.

9. Gus Atkinson

Gus Atkinson is likely to continue as one of England’s frontline fast bowlers. His pace and ability to attack the stumps make him an important component of the bowling attack.

The Oval could provide an interesting challenge for the seamers, particularly during the opening overs when England will look to make early inroads.

10. Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer should retain his place for the series finale. The England quick brings express pace and considerable experience to an otherwise varied bowling attack.

Archer will be expected to lead the attack alongside Atkinson and Josh Tongue, particularly against Sri Lanka’s aggressive top order.

11. Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue is likely to complete England’s XI. The Nottinghamshire seamer was part of the original ODI squad and played in the opening match of the series.

His ability to extract bounce and attack the middle of the pitch gives England another pace option, while his role could become particularly important if the Oval surface offers assistance to seamers.

England Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

Tom Banton (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Dan Lawrence, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Note: This is a predicted XI based on the latest squad information and the combination used in the second ODI. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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