Arch-rivals England and Australia face-off in the third ODI match of the three-match series in Manchester on Wednesday, September 13. The series is level at 1-1 after England won the second game by 24 runs on Sunday, September 13. Ahead of the final encounter, we present you the match prediction for the 3rd and final ODI between England and Australia. 

Australia have good news ahead of the final game. Steve Smith, who missed the first and second game due to a concussion is available for selection in the third. By all means, he will be included in the playing XI in Manchester. Smith will bat at his familiar number three position. 

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The Australian middle-order was exposed in the last match by the England bowlers. Smith’s absence was hugely felt with the team on 145/5 with the fall of Aaron Finch’s wicket. Australia were then bowled out for 207 chasing 232 to win. Smith’s return is thus is a blessing for the team going into the decider in Manchester.

Carey too seemed in good form in the last game. He will be expected to give the finishing touch in the Australian innings. With Finch in form, Australia would ideally love to see some runs from the bat of David Warner. Given what we saw from the bowlers in the second game, the group looks in fine form and ready for the decider. 

England might look to change their batting order given that Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow hasn’t fired together. The world champions might be tempted to get Jos Butter to the top, where he has been so successful in his career. Meanwhile, Joe Root and captain Morgan will look to bat with a bit more responsibility in the decider.

Moeen Ali is sure to return for the final game. Ali’s return would possibly keep Sam Billings out of the XI with England looking to find the ideal combination. 

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Date and Venue: England vs Australia, 2nd ODI at Old Trafford, Manchester on September 16 (Wednesday) at 5.30 PM IST

Weather and Pitch Conditions

The pitch in Manchester has been historically assisting the pacers. The same was on show in the second game, with the bowlers from both teams having a memorable outing. The pitch for the decider will remain a bowler-friendly one with batsmen having their task cut out.

Given that both sides have quality bowlers in their ranks, the contest between bat and bat is expected to be an even one. If the batsmen play the moving ball with a bit of caution early on, they can cash in in the latter part of the innings.

Team News

Steve Smith will be available for selection in the third ODI after missing the first two games for Australia. This will boost the chances heavily in Australia’s favour, given that they will field a full-strength squad. Smith’s return might see Marnus Labuschange benched for the game. The rest of the squad looks settled and does not need to be changed.

England would be buoyed with their thrilling win in a low-scoring encounter. They have no injury concerns ahead of the third game and will field a full-strength squad as well. Moeen Ali will return to the squad, keeping Billings out. 

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Squads

England

Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Reserves: Dawid Malan, Phil Salt, Saqib Mahmood

Australia

Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

England vs Australia 3rd ODI – Match Prediction

With both teams having won one each, it will be difficult to pick a winner. However, momentum will be with England after they won the second game courtesy their bowlers. However, with Smith’s return, Australia will fancy their chances of finishing the series on a high note.

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