ENG vs IRE, 1st ODI- Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks
Ireland will face England in the first ODI of the series (Source: Twitter)
England and Ireland will compete in a three-match One-Day International series which begins on September 20. The opening game is supposed to be staged at the Headingley, Leeds, and will begin at 12:30 PM local time, or 5:00 PM IST.
The majority of England's elite cricketers won't be available as they freshen themselves ahead of the bigger picture next month. Zak Crawley will be leading the side in the absence of Jos Buttler. Harry Brook was released after making the World Cup roster, whereas Joe Root has been included for the first ODI only. Other well-known figures include Ben Duckett, Brydon Carse, Luke Wood, Phil Salt, etc. Additionally, Lancashire off-spinner Tom Hartley has replaced injured Craig Overton who's probably suffering from a reoccuring back injury.
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On the other hand, Ireland chose a strong team under the command of Paul Stirling. They lost three of their four games in the Qualifier stages a few months ago, and as a result, they were unable to advance to the 2023 World Cup. The forthcoming white-ball series will include players like Josh Little, Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, etc. Theo van Woerkom, a left-arm orthodox spinner, is also a member of the team but is yet to appear in an ODI for his country.
Now let us have a glance on the best captain and vice-captain options for the upcoming 50-over contest.
ENG vs IRE, 1st ODI: Venue Analysis
Headingley is a known to suit the batters provided they apply well in the field. There is true bounce in the surfaces while the pacers get decent assistance with the new ball. The ball does very minimum for the spinners. There is also rain forecasted for the upcoming clash of the neighbours.
ENG vs IRE, 1st ODI: Toss Factor
With the dark clouds predicted, toss is definitely going to play a crucial part in this game. The toss-winning skipper may choose to bat first if the conditions are overcast else they may opt to bat first.
Scenario: If ENG wins the toss
England should opt to field first if Zak Crawley wins the toss. They would look to make the most off the overcast conditions. Hence, Luke Wood, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, etc would be a great option for captain or vice-captain.
Scenario: If IRE wins the toss
Likewise for the Irish side. It the rain is around the corner, it is always a bonus to bat second in English conditions. Hence, Ireland may bowl first if they win the coin-flip. In that case, Josh Little, Curtis Campher and Paul Stirling can be a good option for captain or vice-captain.
ENG vs IRE, 1st ODI: Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks
If ENG bats first
Ben Duckett
The left-handed batter is very aggressive at the top of the order. He is also strong at square of the wicket, making it easy to penetrate gaps and fetch runs. He will look to prove his mettle and stand a chance to serve as a back-up to the ODI World Cup 2023 squad.
Joe Root
The Irishman has a lot to prove. He wasn't in the best of his touch in the recent white-ball series against the Black Caps. Therefore, Root is a part of this side and will look to get back his momentum ahead of the mega-event starting October 5.
If IRE bats first
Luke Wood
The left-arm pacer is supposed to lead the pace battery in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland. The pacer is known to rush the batters with pace and early swing. He also has a very lethal yorker and has the knack for wickets.
Curtis Campher
The all-rounder recently scored a ton and a 98-runs knock during the Inter-Provincial tournament. He is very good wit the bat in the middle over and the skipper can also bank on him to bowl 10 overs quota.
ENG vs IRE, 1st ODI: Big Risk, Big Return Choice
Lorcan Tucker
The wicketkeeper batter has notched up impactful runs at the crisis period of Ireland in the past few months. He is a very good middle order batter and has an array of unorthodox and orthodox shots. Tucker is risky option but can pay huge dividends is he clicks.
 "Arijit Kundu")
