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A surprise was in store at the toss for the fifth ODI between Australia and England at Bristol. Steve Smith, the former Australian captain, has been named to lead the side in the absence of Mitchell Marsh.
Reason why Steve Smith replaced Mitchell Marsh as captain
Marsh’s unavailability due to soreness from the previous game presented Smith with the opportunity to captain Australia in England for the first time in seven years. His last stint as captain in the UK was during the 2017 Champions Trophy at Edgbaston.
This marks only the 12th time that Smith has captained Australia since his year-long ban following the 2018 sandpaper scandal. At the toss, Smith explained Marsh’s absence and expressed his hopes for a strong start in the morning game under cloudy skies.
“Mitch is a bit sore from last game, no good today. Big game, 2-2, hopefully start well in a morning game, a few clouds around. Must-win games are what you play for,” Smith said after winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
Also READ: “I wish he was Australian…” – Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh pick a cricketer with the most Aussie vibe
The Aussies have made three changes to their playing XI, with Marsh, Sean Abbott and Alex Carey being replaced by Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly.
England, on the other hand, have made one change by bringing in Olly Stone for Jofra Archer. The five-match series is currently tied at 2-2, with both teams having won two matches each. The outcome of this final ODI will determine the series winner.
ENG vs AUS, 5th ODI: Playing XI of both teams
England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook (c), Jamie Smith(w), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Adil Rashid
Australia: Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steven Smith(c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
