ICC World Cup 2019 – Match 32: ENG vs AUS – England Predicted Playing XI

It came as a massive shock for England a few days ago when they weren’t able to chase down 233 runs. Not that they are invincible but this is the second failed chase for the Brits in this tournament. Given the way they’ve been grinding down targets over the last two or three years, this kind of performance raises a big concern. On both the instances, they couldn’t manage to pull themselves through despite at least one player playing some top-notch cricket.

And this, coming against Sri Lanka isn’t something that went down well this the fans. The hosts have got a huge task on hands as they face Australia in their next encounter. Another loss or two could potentially place their semi-final spot under threat and the team will look to push themselves for better performance. But the question is, will they press the panic button as yet and bring about some changes to their playing eleven?

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for England

Openers (James Vince, Jonny Bairstow)

The English management is pretty clear that they wouldn’t take a chance with Jason Roy for this game. While he was expected to be fit for this match, there isn’t a great update as yet. Thus, James Vince is likely to get another chance and possibly his last if Roy finds himself fit before the next game is played. Therefore, it is a wonderful opportunity for the Sussex cricketer to prove his mettle and put his team back on track in the course.

Jonny Bairstow will be alongside him. The golden duck that he bagged in the last match will surely be frustrating. The 29-year-old could have made a huge difference had he been in the middle for a little longer. But nonetheless, he will want to put this failure behind him soon and bring up a better performance against the mighty Aussies who have won all their last three matches.

Middle Order (Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk))

Joe Root has forgotten the meaning of failure, hasn’t he? At least in this tournament, as he failed to get to a fifty only once and his lowest score so far in 21. He continues to be a critical member in this line-up and a lot of hopes rest on the Test skipper. Eoin Morgan looked good in the last game after the record-breaking century against Afghanistan.

However, he couldn’t kick on for a longer period to put his side in a better position. Though, he’s been timing the ball well and will bat at number four. Jos Buttler has blown hot and cold so far in the tournament. Batting at positions like number five or six, it is important for the wicket-keeper batsman to finish games off for his team.

All Rounders (Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes)

Ben Stokes was fabulous in the last match and the lone warrior for his team. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 82 but only to see his efforts go in vain. He’s been doing a good job with the ball as well as bowling economical spells. Stokes should bring up the same kind of inspirational performance against Australia given that their bowlers have been particularly good towards the end of the innings.

Moeen Ali will fancy his chances bowling to the likes of David Warner and Usman Khawaja. It is essential for him to get amongst the wickets sooner rather than later. Along with Chris Woakes, he adds a good amount of depth to the batting line-up. England has predominantly used Woakes with the new ball as he has been able to get some good purchase early on. With Aaron Finch’s troubles against the swinging ball, the team will back him to provide them with an early breakthrough.

Bowlers (Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood)

It could be a toss-up between Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett. But considering the diversity that he adds to the attack, Rashid might get another chance. He has been amongst the wickets and is bowling quite well. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will be the other two bowlers in this team.

Both of them have picked up 12 wickets each in the last five outings and has been a great asset to the team. They will continue to hold the key and will hope to pick some important wickets. Archer has done a fabulous job at the death also and will spearhead this attack.