England vs Ireland, 2nd ODI, Preview – Balbirnie and Co seek batting resurrection ahead of do-or-die clash

Ireland’s fate in the opening game was almost sealed when David Willey ran through their batting order, reducing them to 28 for five inside the first 10 overs. Though the visitors tried to make amends through Curtis Campher’s 59 and Andy McBrine’s 40, they were fighting a lost battle. On a decent batting strip at the Rose Bowl a target of 173 wasn’t going to pose a threat to the hosts.

Andy Balbirnie’s men hit the Brits hard, picking four wickets in quick succession. However, Sam Billings and skipper Eoin Morgan held their nerve and guided the Three Lions past the finishing line. The second ODI is scheduled to be played on August 1 in Southampton and Ireland have to find a way of winning in order to stay alive in the series. It goes without saying that they will be up against it.

They took the bold calls of leaving William Porterfield and Boyd Rankin out and the decision cost them big time. For Morgan and Co, they will wish to pocket the series in Saturday’s match itself. Though England started with a victory, the team would be hoping for the likes of Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, James Vince and Tom Banton to get back to form after getting out cheaply last time.

Playing Combinations

England

Morgan said that the Brits are unlikely to tinker with their batting order. But he also said that the bowling unit might undergo a few changes. In that scenario, Reece Topley might get a chance in place of one of Tom Curran and Saqib Mahmood. England might prefer Curran over Mahmood.

Moeen Ali couldn’t get a wicket, but he kept the Irish batters in check, giving away only 37 runs in his 10 overs. Adil Rashid was also pretty effective, bowling three maidens and nipping out Kevin O’Brien. Joe Denly has been ruled out due to back spasms. He has been replaced by Liam Livingstone.

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

Ireland

Ireland may end up making a forced change after Barry McCarthy injured his ankle into his first over. If he doesn’t make the cut, Rankin is likely to come in. Rankin’s inclusion may just strengthen their bowling attack. Craig Young was a bit expensive, but he accounted for Roy and Vince’s wickets.

Needless to say, that Ireland’s batting has to put forth a clinical show to make a comeback. Paul Stirling and skipper Balbirnie have scored heavily in the past and they need to be at their best. It also remains to be seen whether or not Campher is able to replicate something similar from the last game.

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

Head to head

Played- 11, England won- 9, Ireland won- 1, No-Result- 1

Stat Attack

75– Runs Jonny Bairstow needs to complete 3,000 ODI runs.

153– 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.