ENG vs AUS 2024: Top 3 Players to watch out for in upcoming ODI series

England and Australia are set to face each other in a five-match ODI series, starting with the first game on Thursday, September 19, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The T20I series ended in a 1-1 draw after the final game was abandoned due to rain. Both teams will take the ODI series as a dress rehearsal for next year's Champion Trophy.

In the absence of Jos Buttler, Harry Brook is set to lead England for the first time. The Three Lions will be playing an ODI for the first time this year. They did not have a memorable outing in the format last year. The 2019 ODI World Cup champions failed to defend their title in India and went on to lose a series against the West Indies by a 2-1 margin in December. They will look to bounce back strongly against a formidable Australian side.

The tourists will be led by Mitchell Marsh as Pat Cummins has been rested for this series as well. Australia whitewashed the West Indies in a three-match ODI series in February at home. The reigning ODI World Cup champions would want to go from strength to strength, keeping an eye on the Champions Trophy.

Also Read: Reports: Ben Duckett to open in upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia

Here are the three players to watch out for in ENG vs AUS series 2024:

3. Steve Smith

While it seems like Steve Smith is no longer in Australia's scheme of things in the T20I setup, he has a lot to offer in the other two formats of the game. The legendary batter scored an unbeaten 79 off as many balls in the first ODI against the West Indies in Melbourne and stamped his authority on the series.

The 35-year-old has played 158 ODIs and boasts a healthy average of 43.92, having amassed 12 centuries and 33 half-centuries. He has a moderate average of 35.42 from 24 ODIs in England. However, his Test record in the European nation is exemplary, as he averages a staggering 55. Smith will want to translate his Test heroics into the ODI format as well in England.

Smith is expected to bat at No. 4 and his role through the middle overs is going to be very crucial for the Men in Yellow. If he bats deep, the right-handed batter will invariably put Australia in a position from where their lower-order batters can explode.