England Opt to Field in 2nd ODI Against Australia

AFP/APP

Leeds: England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field in the second one-day international (ODI) against Australia at his home ground, Headingley, on Saturday.

England, aiming to level the five-match series after a heavy seven-wicket loss at Trent Bridge on Thursday, made one change to their lineup. Fast bowler Olly Stone replaced Jofra Archer, who was rested.

Australia, the reigning ODI world champions, extended their winning streak to 13 matches in Nottingham, despite several players being sidelined due to illness.

For this match, they recalled fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, along with star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Cameron Green made way for the returning trio.

“It’s always nice to try and put pressure on with the ball and chase,” said Brook at the toss. “Headingley usually offers something early on, especially with overcast conditions.”

England had faced criticism for losing wickets carelessly to Australia’s spinners in the previous game, but Brook emphasized that their aggressive approach would remain unchanged.

“We’ll play exactly the same way, potentially come even harder, and put pressure on their bowling unit while carrying the momentum from the first part of the last game into today.”

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, whose team’s win at Trent Bridge was sealed by opener Travis Head’s unbeaten 154 — his highest ODI score — said he was happy to bat first despite initially considering bowling. “We would have bowled first with the overheads, but we are happy to bat. Travis Head has been in incredible form, and we hope that continues.”

Teams

England: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Olly Stone, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid.

Australia: Travis Head, Matt Short, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), Russell Warren (ENG).

TV Umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI).

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM).