Probable England Playing XI for third ODI against Sri Lanka

England have taken an impregnable 2-0 ODI series lead over Sri Lanka after two strong displays and comprehensive victories in Durham and The Oval.

The three lions have flexed their muscles well against their beleaguered opponent and are looking likely to close the series out with a 3-0 sweep on Sunday (July 4) and fetch ten additional points in the ICC Super League.

Prior to that, however, it isn’t yet clear whether the Eoin Morgan led side will continue with their winning combinations or look to spread the net wider and test their bench strength?

While a clear answer to these questions will be available only at the toss in Bristol, here’s enlisting what the England Playing XI could possibly look like for the third and final one-dayer.

Would Morgan go with the same England Playing XI?

Probable England Playing XI

1. Jason Roy

After missing the opening game, Roy produced an exceptional half-century (60 off 52 balls) in the second one-dayer at The Oval. The elegant right-hand batsman gave England another quickfire start along with fellow opener Jonny Bairstow and set them on path to victory by eight wickets.

2. Jonny Bairstow (wk)

With scores of 43 and 29, Bairstow has missed out with the bat in the series so far. The right-hand batsman has been in incredible form in ODIs in the last few years, maintaining unwavering consistency despite batting at a really high tempo. Bairstow has now played 88 ODIs for England with a career strike-rate of 105.01 and an average of 47.91.

3. Joe Root

Playing his duties of an anchor to perfection in the last two matches, Root has only reiterated his value to an England side glint with aggressive batsmen. With two unbeaten half-centuries under his belt, Root will be looking to continue his rich form and help England clinch a 3-0 series whitewash.

4. Eoin Morgan (c)

Facing question marks over his form, captain Morgan showed encouraging signs of his return to scoring ways with a decently compiled knock of 75* in the 2nd ODI at The Oval. Morgan, whose first priority will obviously be to win and seal the series 3-0, would also be hoping for another opportunity to score and keep his naysayers at bay.

5. Sam Billings

Not getting a chance to bat in the second ODI after making just 3 runs in the first will be slightly frustrating for talented right-hand batsman Billings, whose opportunities to play for England tend to anyway be few and far in-between. Billings, however, has shown from time to time that he doesn’t let the off-field issues affect his headspace and can score runs whenever England require.

6. Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali hasn’t had much to do in the series so far but the experienced spin bowling all-rounder is vital to England’s depth and resolve in the 50-over arena. He will be eyeing an opportunity to possibly bat higher in the order and be entrusted to deliver more overs through the middle phase of the innings.

England Playing XI: Moeen Ali, a vital player to England’s balance and depth.

7. Sam Curran

Curran’s maiden five-wicket haul (5/48) in the last match at his home ground showed his exceptional ability and also his worth in this England side. If not with the bat, the youngster contributes with the ball for three lions. Curran will hope to continue his form and rhythm as a left-arm quick and possibly end the series as its leading wicket-taker.

8. Adil Rashid

Rashid hasn’t had as many wickets to his name as he would like in recent times. But the experienced wrist-spinner is still influential in England’s ODI fortunes. At his best, he can not only control the middle-overs for Morgan and company but also provide a wicket-taking threat for the opposition.

9. Mark Wood

Wood has bowled with good pace and consistency in the series without any rewards. The fast-bowler’s 17 overs from Durham and The Oval combine have gone for only 3.17 runs per over but he has missed out in the wickets column. Wood will be eyeing another disciplined spell in the final one-dayer.

10. George Garten

Named in the squad as a back-up seamer, Sussex left-arm unorthodox speedster, George Garten, could get the nod for his debut in Bristol with the team management potentially resting fellow left-arm quick and series’ top wicket-taker David Willey. Garten has played 24 List A matches with 29 wickets to his name.

11. Tom Curran

Rest for Willey may also help Tom Curran retain his place in the side. Despite question marks over his spot, Curran has enjoyed the team management’s backing. He bowled an economical 10-over spell of 0/43 in the last match after making his return to the first-choice England Playing XI.