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England will begin their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 22, with the opening game scheduled at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. Harry Brook will lead the hosts in the series, which forms part of England’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The ODI squad contains a blend of established names and exciting players pushing for regular international opportunities. Joe Root returns to the 50-over setup, while Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran are unavailable due to injuries. Jamie Overton, meanwhile, returns after missing the white-ball series against India.
England have also just completed their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, giving the management a chance to assess the opposition before switching formats. With the ODI squad different from the T20I group in a few key areas, several changes are expected for the first match.
Here is England’s predicted playing XI for 1st ODI against Sri Lanka:
Ben Duckett is likely to return to the top of the order after being rested for the T20I series. His aggressive approach makes him an ideal option to open in England’s high-tempo ODI setup. The left-hander can put pressure on Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowlers during the first 10 overs while also having the technique to build a longer innings.
Jos Buttler could open alongside Duckett and take the wicketkeeping gloves. The veteran recently produced a superb 80 in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, demonstrating that his form remains a major asset for England.
His experience at the top will be particularly valuable in an ODI format where England will need to balance attacking intent with the demands of a 50-over innings.
Harry Brook will captain England and should occupy the No. 3 position. The right-hander has been in spectacular form, smashing an unbeaten 114 in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka.
Brook’s ability to accelerate against both pace and spin makes him the centrepiece of England’s batting lineup. He will also have the responsibility of setting the tactical tone for the ODI series.
Joe Root’s return is one of the biggest differences between England’s T20I and ODI squads. The experienced batter was included in the 16-member ODI squad and brings stability to the middle order.
Root can rotate the strike effectively, play spin with control and anchor the innings if England lose early wickets. His experience will be especially useful in the longer white-ball format.
Tom Banton could slot in at No. 5, offering England another aggressive batting option. He was part of the T20I side and has already gained valuable exposure alongside several members of the ODI squad.
Banton’s ability to score quickly could allow England to maintain pressure during the middle overs while also providing wicketkeeping cover for Buttler.
Will Jacks is likely to provide England with an important all-round option. His explosive batting can change the momentum of an innings, while his off-spin gives Brook another option during the middle overs.
With England potentially opting for a balanced attack, Jacks’ ability to contribute in both departments could be crucial.
Jamie Overton is expected to return to the XI after missing the recent white-ball series against India because of a thigh injury. The all-rounder has been included in both England squads for the Sri Lanka series.
His pace bowling and powerful lower-order hitting provide England with useful balance, particularly if the hosts want to play an extra specialist bowler.
Liam Dawson could take the No. 8 spot as England’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder. His left-arm orthodox bowling can be effective during the middle overs, while his batting gives England additional depth.
Dawson also featured in England’s T20I plans against Sri Lanka, making him a strong candidate to continue into the ODI series.
Adil Rashid should lead England’s spin attack. The veteran leg-spinner remains one of the hosts’ most reliable wicket-taking options in limited-overs cricket.
His variations will be particularly important against Sri Lanka’s middle order, which contains several capable players of spin bowling.
Jofra Archer is likely to spearhead the pace attack. His ability to generate high pace and strike with the new ball gives England a genuine match-winner in the bowling department.
Archer’s experience at the highest level could also prove important in Chester-le-Street conditions, where early movement could give the fast bowlers an advantage.
Gus Atkinson could complete England’s bowling attack. The Surrey seamer offers pace and the ability to take wickets through different phases of the innings.
England also have Josh Tongue and uncapped Henry Crocombe in the ODI squad, so the final pace combination will depend on conditions and the team’s workload management. Crocombe received his maiden ODI call-up after impressing in domestic cricket.
Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Joe Root, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson
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