England vs Ireland, 1st ODI, Preview – After West Indies Tests, Brits brace for ODI return in pandemic

Cricket in England returned with the three-match Test series against Jason Holder’s West Indies amidst the coronavirus pandemic. There’s more cricket to take place on English soil, this time in the white-ball format. A couple of days after the end of the red-ball fixtures versus the Caribbeans, the Three Lions would start their three-match ODI campaign against Ireland, starting Thursday, July 30.

The entire series would take place at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. England, captained by Eoin Morgan, would be playing in the format after five and a half-month, but the players would be up and running after their intra-squad matches and the practice game against Ireland on Sunday. Ireland last played international cricket back in March in their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.

In the warm-up game, they lost by seven wickets and would want to make amends. Both teams have named their respective squads, but the visitors have made the announcement only for the first game. The two teams haven’t played a whole of games. Even after nine years, Ireland’s historic victory versus the Brits in the 2011 World Cup remains to be their most competitive game.

Playing Combinations

England

It’s a bit of a surprise that the hosts left out Phillip Salt, who smashed a 58-ball 100 in the warm-up encounter. But England still have a strong batting unit. Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have tormented oppositions for years and have been a formidable duo. In the middle-order, Eoin Morgan’s experience is vital.

Being the skipper, the southpaw needs to lead from the front. The onus will also be on Moeen Ali, who has had a tough time in the last 12 months. Joe Denly is the only man from the squad, who has played international cricket in the pandemic, being a part of the Brits in the West Indies Tests.

In bowling, Adil Rashid is the most experienced and a lot would depend on him. He needs support from Tom Curran, David Willey and the other bowlers.

Predicted XI– Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Tom Banton/Joe Denly, James Vince, Eoin Morgan (C), Moeen Ali, Sam Billings/Liam Dawson, Tom Curran, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley/Saqib Mahmood

Ireland

Ireland would depend heavily on Paul Stirling to take them off to a flying start. The veteran can also roll his arms over to pick up wickets. William Porterfield has experience on his side, but has to be a bit of consistent in trying conditions.

Skipper Andrew Balbirnie has been a bedrock of their middle order and he has a tough task at hand. He is in good form after his 73-ball 60 in the warm-up game. Kevin O’Brien can use the long handle to good effect and he is in good rhythm as well, smashing 28 off 14 last time.

Joshua Little conceded runs at over 10 rpo and Ireland need to take a call on whether to include him or not. Andy McBrine and Simi Singh didn’t get a wicket in the practice game, but were economical. The responsibility will also be on the experienced Boyd Rankin.

Predicted XI– Paul Stirling, William Porterfield, Andy Balbirnie (C), Harry Tector, Kevin O’Brien, Simi Singh, Gareth Delany/Joshua Little, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Boyd Rankin, Craig Young

Head to head

Played- 10, England won- 8, Ireland won- 1, No-Result- 1

Stat Attack

77- Runs Jonny Bairstow needs to complete 3,000 ODI runs.

155- Runs Paul Stirling needs to complete 7,000 List A runs.

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 14:00 local time, 18:30 PM IST

TV –Sony Six, Sony ESPN

Live Streaming– The match can be streamed online at Sony LIV.