HIGHLIGHTS
England and Ireland are playing a three match ODI series inside a week to kick off the inaugural ICC Men’s World Cup Super League from today, 30th July 2020 in Southampton.
(Photo: Google i.e. Ireland vs England Lions warm-up match, Sunday.)
PREVIEW
ICC Men’s World Cup Super League, a new global tournament as a road to 2023 Cricket World Cup in India is starting today in Southampton. The defending World Champions England will host the Ireland side who failed to qualify for the 2019 Cricket World Cup and are now hopeful to carry each point to make themselves earn qualification for the 2023 mega event in India.
Due to operate separate red-ball and white ball squads, amid current COVID-19 pandemic, England looks to be a new side as most of their regular ODI players are not in the squad. It is an opportunity for the team to try out their backup players. Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Mark Wood are not included in the squad because of their upcoming red ball schedules.
Eoin Morgan will lead the team which comprises Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Tom Curran, James Vince along with the guy who missed out to the Test squad for the Wisden Trophy, Joe Denly. Some new faces like Tom Banton and Saqib Mahmood are also included.
Ireland squad have experienced players like captain Andy Balbirinie, Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien and Boyd Rankin. Gareth Delany and Harry Tector and all-rounder Curtis Campher are some new faces who holds a part to form the XI of Ireland’s future generation.
England will be playing their first ODI series at home since their historic World Cup victory at Lord's last year. It will be also the first ODI match after the restart of International Cricket amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which is also the longest gap between two ODIs since 1991.
ECB will host all three ODIs at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, behind closed doors, keeping the bio-security protocols in mind.
PITCH REPORT AND CONDITIONS
It is looking like a batting wicket according to the practice match between Ireland and England Lions, where England Lions easily chased down in 35 overs. Expecting a lot of runs with some early seam movements as there might be some grass left on with the same strip set to be used in the first two ODIs .
Captain winning the toss would like to bat second as batting became easier under the lights in the practice match on last Sunday.
And the conditions would be perfect today as there is a very less chance of precipitation.
PROBABLE XI
England : Jason Roy/ Tom Bant, Jonny Bairstow, James Vince, Joe Denly, Eoin Morgan (C), Sam Billings (WK), Moeen Ali, David Willey, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.
There is a doubt on Jason Roy’s fitness, otherwise he is the first choice to open along side Jonny Bairstow. James Vince will play at 3 in the absence of Joe Root. Joe Denly should play at 4 as that position suits the way he bats with captain Eoin Morgan to come at 5. England should or might shift Morgan to 5 from 4 as there is no Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler and Morgan as a leader is the best choice to play their role in the later half of the batting order. Followed by Sam Billings at 6, who scored an unbeaten quick 54 in the practice match last Sunday. He is also my wicket keeper. David Willey and Saqib Mahmood to bowl the new ball and Tom Curran to do what he is best at, in the death overs. No doubts on starting of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid as well.
Ireland : Paul Stirling, Gareth Delany, Andrew Balbirnie (C), William Porterfield, Harry Tector, Kevin O’Brien, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Boyd Rankin.
Young Gareth Delany will start with experienced Paul Stirling. Captain Andrew Balbirnie at 3 followed by former Ireland skipper William Porterfield at 4. Harry Tector will make his debut, who has scored half-centuries in each of his last three List A matches. He will be my number 5. Kevin O’Brien to play the role of a finisher at 6 who is in great form, scored an unbeaten 126 in their Intra-Squad practice match on 22nd of July. Followed by Lorcan Tucker at 7 who is my wicket keeper. Simi Singh also in a good form so he will be at 8. There is no Mark Adair due to fitness issues following his ankle surgery, who was their leading wicket taker in ODIs last year. Andy McBrine will be my perfect off-spinner with Barry McCarthy and experienced Boyd Rankin to bowl the new ball.
MATCH PREDICTIONS
England should definitely win this as they looks too strong on papers. Ireland players need to do something extraordinary to pull this off and we know they are capable of that.
England in last five matches: WLWWW
Ireland in last five matches: LLLWW
The match will start on 30th July (Today) at 6:30 pm IST
TV: Sony Six, Sony Six HD
Live Streaming: SonyLIV app
England ODI Squad: Eoin Morgan (C), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Joe Denly, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey.
Ireland ODI Squad (for 1st ODI): Andrew Balbirnie (C), Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, William Porterfield, Harry Tector, Kevin O Brien, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Joshua Little, Boyd Rankin, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young.
Commentaires