Mitch Marsh To Drop Marnus Labuschagne; Australia's Probable XI For 5th ODI Vs England
Labuschagne likely to be dropped [@mufaddal_vohra/X]
Australia were 2-0 ahead in the ODI series against England, but then disaster struck as they have now lost back-to-back ODIs and find themselves in a precarious situation. The Aussies had the series in their bag, but they have suddenly lost all the momentum.
After the first two matches, Australia were confident enough to seal the series in the 3rd game, but a brilliant Harry Brook century brought the home side back in the contest. In the 4th rain-marred ODI, England produced a brilliant display of batting and posted 312 inside 39 overs.
Liam Livingstone was the star with the bat as he hammered Mitch Starc for 28 runs in the last over to jolt the Aussie bowlers. England, with the new found confidence came out all guns blazing with the ball and knocked over the Aussies for a paltry 126, thus levelling the series.
Labuschagne's future hangs in balance as AUS aim for series win
Now the caravan moves to the series decider, and Australia have a lot to ponder upon. Barring Alex Carey, the other batters haven't delivered in all the games. Travis Head has played a couple of great games, and barring that the batting has floundered.
The biggest disappointment has been Marnus Labuschagne, who has only accumulated 23 runs in the last three ODI matches against England. He has looked out of sorts and the English bowlers have troubled him with pace and bounce.
As a result, there is a huge chance that Mitch Marsh will take the bold decision to omit Labuschagne from the playing XI in the series decider, and could bring in Aaron Hardie, who can also deliver with the ball in hand.
The rest of the playing XI should remain the same from the 4th ODI, as Australia aim to seal the series with a win against a confident England side.
Australia playing XI vs England
Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (c), Steve Smith, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Alex Carey, Adam Zampa, Sean Abott, Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood