England Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka - 3rd ODI, 2026

England Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka - 3rd ODI [Source: AFP]England will lock horns against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI of the ongoing series on Sunday, September 27. The match will be held at The Oval Stadium in London at 3:00 PM IST.With the series currently level at 1-1, the series-deciding game is expected to be a cracking contest. England registered a landslide victory in the first ODI by bowling out Sri Lanka on 176 in a 266-run chase.However, in the second ODI, Sri Lanka fought back as they restricted England to 305 in a 322-run chase. So overall, both sides have had their moments of ups and downs and are expected to come out all guns blazing in the final ODI.On that note, let’s analyse and find out the England predicted playing XI vs Sri Lanka for the 3rd ODI. Top Order - Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe RootThe opening pair of Tom Banton and Ben Duckett will be retained in the third ODI against Sri Lanka as they forged a 143-run stand in the last ODI. Both of them scored a half-century and provided England a perfect platform.Hence, with limited bench strength, England will back Banton and Duckett as openers. At no. 3, Joe Root becomes an automatic choice as one of the most experienced figures in the lineup.So far in this series, he has scored just 59 runs, but when in form, he has the capability to win any game for England single-handedly. Hence, his place is not under threat for now.Also Read - ICC Punishes Sri Lanka After First ODI Defeat To EnglandMiddle Order - Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox (wk), Will Jacks, Rehan AhmedCaptain Harry Brook will bat at no. 4 despite scoring just a single run in the 2nd ODI. It’s because he did score a half-century in the first game and also hammered a century during the T20I series. Hence, his form is not concerning for now.Meanwhile, England suffered a huge blow during the 2nd ODI as Jos Buttler pulled up his hamstring and was ruled out of the final series decider. Hence, as a replacement, Jordan Cox is likely to get a call-up.Buttler’s injury is definitely a huge loss as he was England’s leading run scorer in this ODI series. Cox, who has played only 3 ODIs so far, will have a huge task to fill the void. But currently, England are out of options, and hence Cox is expected to play the third game. Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed will continue to play as all-rounders.Jacks scored a fifty in the last game while Ahmed was dismissed for a duck. But he did pick up 2 wickets with the ball while maintaining a decent economy.Bowlers - Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Josh TongueSince The Oval’s conditions are suitable for fast bowlers, England are likely to field four pacers, with Rehan and Jacks being their spinners. Notably, Jacks is the leading wicket-taker of the series with 5 dismissals in 2 games.Gus Atkinson has contributed with 3 wickets while Jamie Overton has got 2 wickets. Also, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer have managed to pick up just 1 wicket across two ODIs each. Hence, these two pacers will definitely have to pull up their socks and ensure Sri Lankan batters don’t get any opportunity to settle on the crease.Overall, barring the forced change of Jos Buttler, England are likely to field the same combination as in the second ODI for the final series decider.England Predicted Playing XI Vs Sri Lanka- 3rd ODI, 2026Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox (wk), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Josh TongueAlso Read - India, Pakistan's Opponents Revealed As Asian Games 2026 Quarterfinals Schedule Finalised