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England are in a must-win situation going into the third of the five-match series against Australia when the two sides meet at Old Trafford, Manchester. Join The Roar for all the action of this third ODI from 11:00pm (AEST).
A controversial second match sparked tensions between the two camps, which could have a bearing on how this game is played.
For two teams that have had a plethora of verbal spats in recent times, Australia and England played out quite a ‘polite’ Ashes series. But now with just three ODIs to go, it looks like things have spiced up a tad following Ben Stokes’ dismissal.
Smith was sure Stokes had to go for stopping what looked like a clear run-out opportunity. Morgan was equally sure had he been in Smith’s shoes, he would have withdrawn the appeal.
The incident and its aftermath has taken the focus off England’s failings in this series so far.
And those failings have been both in batting and bowling.
Australia have twice batted first and piled on more than 300 in both games, plundering the English bowlers in conditions that didn’t help their seamers too much.
When the hosts batted, Alex Hales and Jason Roy managed to give them decent starts, but not much can be said about the rest of the batting bar Morgan.
James Taylor, who has replaced Joe Root in the line-up, needs to do much more at three to remain in selectors’ minds when Root returns.
Stokes hasn’t had much going for him with the bat, while Jos Buttler’s twin failures have seen him jettisoned from the team in favour of Jonny Bairstow.
Australia’s performances have been just what the doctor ordered after the Ashes series loss, but losing three players to injury in the same game won’t do them much good.
David Warner fractured his thumb, while Shane Watson and Nathan Coulter-Nile have suffered hamstring injuries. Aaron Finch, John Hastings and Peter Handscomb have been called up to the squad but it remains to be seen who will be drafted into the side.
James Pattinson and Ashton Agar are Australia’s other bowling options, while Marcus Stoinis will be hoping to get another chance after an underwhelming start to his international career.
Follow the live scores and blog of this third ODI between England and Australia from 11pm (AEST), and post your comments in the section below.
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