ODI World Cup 2023: England’s strongest predicted playing XI against Australia

Game 36 of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between Australia (AUS) and England (ENG) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, November 4. Australia are still well in the race to make it to the knockout stages of the ODI World Cup 2023. On the other hand, things are quite complicated for England.

The defending champions have been unable to catch their groove in the tournament. Sitting in 10th place in the standings with just two points in six games, it could be interesting to see how they line up against Australia.

Here's England's Predicted XI against Australia:

Openers: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan

The side will be opening their innings with the duo of Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan. England have been in horrid form throughout the tournament, and coming on the back of a loss against the Indian team, it could be interesting to see how the defending champions fare against their arch-rivals, Australia. In the previous game against the hosts, Bairstow only managed to score 14 runs in 23 deliveries before he was sent back to the pavilion, and he will be keen on improving.

Dawid Malan has been one of the few in-form players for England. Having scored 16 runs in 17 deliveries in his previous game against India, Malan’s form could not bear fruit against the hosts. However, having scored 459 runs in his last eight games, Malan’s knock could come in handy.

Check Here: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Middle Order: Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (C, WK), Harry Brook

The middle order of the defending champions has a plethora of star power. Ace batter Joe Root will look to lead from the front. After getting dismissed on a golden duck in his last game against India, Root will be desperate to improve as well.

Star player Ben Stokes could be another vital cog for the defending champions. Having scored no runs in his last game, Stokes has been unable to put the foot on the pedal. However, with 230 runs in his last four ODIs, if Stokes performs, the side could heavily benefit.

Skipper and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has had a tournament to forget as well. With a knock of ten runs against India in his previous game, Buttler will be keen on improving as well.

Youngster Harry Brook would be another player to watch out for Australia from England. Despite not featuring for the defending champions in the previous game, Brook could get the nod against the Aussies, and if he does, he will look to put in a good performance.

All-rounders: Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey

The all-rounders of England will comprise the likes of Moeen Ali. The veteran has a plethora of experience in the format. After going wicketless against India and scoring 15 runs against India, Ali was unable to perform to the peak of his powers. However, it could be interesting to see how he fares against the Men in Yellow.

Chris Woakes would be another player who would look to be efficient with both the bat and the ball. Taking two wickets and scoring ten runs against India, Woakes was one of the better performers for England in the previous game. Furthermore, having taken seven wickets in his last six games, Woakes’s performance could be one to watch out for.

David Willey was one of the best performers for England in the previous game. Taking three wickets, Willey went unbeaten by a score of 15* runs. The side will be hoping that he will be just as effective with the ball against Australia as well.

Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Adil Rashid will make up half of England’s bowling lineup. With eight wickets in his last six games and two wickets in ten overs in the previous game against India, Adil Rashid has been in good form, and he will look to continue the same form.

Star pacer Mark Wood will complete England’s bowling line-up. With one wicket in nine overs in his previous game, Wood will hope for an improved performance against Australia.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

England's probable XI against Australia:

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood