England vs Australia: T20I Abandoned Due to Rain, ODI Series Looms
The highly anticipated third and deciding T20I between England and Australia was unfortunately abandoned due to persistent rain in Manchester on Sunday. The match was called off shortly after 4pm, leaving both teams to share the spoils in the three-match series.
The visitors had emerged victorious in the opening match in Southampton, while England responded with a thrilling chase in Cardiff. However, the weather conditions in Manchester proved too challenging for any meaningful cricket to take place.
Both teams were expected to recall key fast bowlers for this game. Jofra Archer and Josh Hazlewood had been rested in Cardiff, while Australia had only 11 players to choose from due to Mitchell Marsh’s illness. However, the rain prevented any XIs from being named.
Attention now turns to the five-match ODI series, which begins on Thursday in Nottingham. The forecast for the ODI series is more promising, and both teams are expected to field strong lineups.
England have named Harry Brook as captain in place of the injured Jos Buttler, while Australia will welcome back Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc for the 50-over games.
The ODI series will serve as an important preparation for next February’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Both England and Australia will be looking to experiment with various options over the five games, which will be played in the space of 11 days.
