Raunak Kapoor and Andrew Miller pick the fantasy XI for the first ODI between England and Australia (6:59)
England v Australia, 1st ODI, Manchester
Our XI: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Pat Cummins, Adil Rashid, Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer
Substitutes: Jason Roy, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Mark Wood
NOTE: We might not always be able to tip you off about a late injury (or other relevant) updates.
Captain:
Aaron Finch: The Australia captain was the second-highest run-scorer in the recently concluded T20I series, making scores of 46, 40 and 39. Finch has been in tremendous form in ODIs since last year, with 1464 runs at an average of 52.28, scoring five tons and eight fifties. You can trust him to make a big score, keeping his recent ODI record in mind.
Vice-captain:
Jos Buttler: Buttler missed the third T20I for personal reasons but is available to play in the first ODI. He has been in great form, starring in both England wins in the T20I series with scores of 44 and 77 not out.
Hot Picks
Adil Rashid: Rashid troubled Australia throughout their T20I series, picking six wickets in three matches and also bowled well during the ODIs against Ireland. He rarely goes wicketless, and you can rely on the legspinner for those important breakthroughs too.
Johny Bairstow: Bairstow hit form with a 44-ball 55 in the third T20I. He also impressed with a glittering 41-ball 82 in the second ODI against Ireland in August. The big-hitter is definitely worth the punt.
Value Picks
David Warner: Warner might have not had a great T20I series, but he’s someone who bounces back in no time. He had a great run at the World Cup last year and also scored a century against India in Mumbai earlier this year. He’s always a valuable inclusion in your fantasy side.
Marnus Labuschagne: Labuschagne has had phenomenal growth since last year. Across seven ODIs, he averages 50.83 with a strike rate of 94.42 and also made a maiden century against South Africa in Potchefstroom in March. Pick him in your team and back him to keep his brilliant form going.
Points to note
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England captain Eoin Morgan did not play the third T20I against Australia due to an injury. However, if he’s fit to play make sure you find a spot for him in your XI.
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Both the teams have strong opening pairs, so go by your instincts while picking among them.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo