England's predicted playing XI for the 3rd ODI against India

Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler will lead their sides into battle at the MCA Stadium in Pune
Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler will lead their sides into battle at the MCA Stadium in Pune

All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran

Stokes and Curran have had important roles to play in this series
Stokes and Curran have had important roles to play in this series

Sam Billings' availability for his game is yet to be ascertained, but irrespective of whether he is fit or not, Liam Livingstone should hold on to his place in the XI. The all-rounder scored an unbeaten 27 on ODI debut in the last match, and his aggressive nature fits perfectly into England's gameplan.

Moeen Ali bowled 10 economical overs in the 2nd ODI, never letting the Indian batters find the boundary in the middle overs. The off-spinner will have a crucial role to play in the series decider, as will Sam Curran.

Curran has been accurate with the new ball, but his death bowling has let him down in this series. The 22-year-old adds great balance to the team, though, and he can be backed to set the record straight soon.


Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

Mark Wood missed the 2nd ODI, but the England attack looks thin without him
Mark Wood missed the 2nd ODI, but the England attack looks thin without him

Adil Rashid will once again resume his role as England's lead white-ball spinner. He clearly has the bearing of Indian skipper Virat Kohli, and will look to take wickets in the middle overs to derail the opposition innings.

Reece Topley was the pick of the bowlers in the 2nd ODI, with his swing, bounce and slower balls having the Indian batsmen in all sorts of trouble. The tall quick is England's most potent threat with the new ball, and could have a key role to play at the death as well.

Mark Wood missed the 2nd ODI after conceding 75 runs in the series opener, but the England attack doesn't look the same without him in the team. Wood's pace and aggression make him a massive asset to any team, and Buttler could turn to his tearaway quick in place of Tom Curran, who's been ridiculously expensive in the recent past.

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Edited by Atharva Papnoi