![England Cricket Team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784097347690_EnglandCricketTeam(1).jpg?type=hq)
England Cricket Team [Source: AFP]
While it might look like England have a lot to look back on after their defeat against India in the 1st ODI, surprisingly, despite fielding some of their best players, the Three White Lions have been bested with their Playing XI lineup in the series opener itself.
The experienced side with an average age of approximately 30 was bested by the Indian side that dominated from the very beginning of the play. Harry Brook’s knights failed to conquer with the bat as well as with the ball, and there would be something for the team to reflect upon.
Ahead of the 2nd ODI, and probably the series decider, here’s a look at what could be the best possible XI England can field against India for the July 16 match at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Top Order- Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook
To be fair, there isn't much England can do with their top-order batting. The lineup shows class, with Ben Duckett having over 1388 ODI runs and also performing in the 1st ODI.
Jacob Bethell couldn't play up to his expectations, but again, a fair chance will be given by the England and Wales Cricket Board to the man who scored a 46-ball 76 against the same opponent in the T20I series.
With the openers sorted, Joe Root will make his place at No. 3 after a stunning performance in the first match, where he scored a brilliant 76 to anchor a collapsing innings of the team. Harry Brook, the skipper, will continue at No. 4, where he averages 40.00 in ODIs to cushion any early damage.
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Middle Order And All-Rounders- Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson
Jos Buttler will continue with his wicketkeeping duties at No. 5. While Tom Banton can be a viable option in place of Buttler, it is unlikely that the ECB will move over from a senior veteran only after a single failure.
Sam Curran is super impactful as a pace-bowling all-rounder, and England would like to continue to use his expertise in English conditions against India’s top order. Curran’s last three innings across formats show 0, 41, 7.
Will Jacks is a strong hitter of the ball and is also a handy off-spinner who bowled well in the first match. Although he went wicketless from the seven overs he bowled, he managed an economy rate of 6.14, underlining his impact as an all-rounder.
Liam Dawson will be an irreplaceable option for England. Especially after the heroic stand he created with Joe Root to save England’s face in the first match. Besides being impactful with the bat, Dawson will also be handy as a left-arm spinner against left-handed batters.
Bowlers- Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue
Sophia Gardens is generally a pace bowling pitch. However, in recent times, conditions may vary. If England is looking at more of a turner, from the previous match’s bowling lineup, only Josh Tongue could be seen as a replacement with Rehan Ahmed, i.e., only if England would like to carry an extra spinner with them.
If pace and swing conditions dominate Cardiff, as they usually do, Jofra Archer will continue to lead the pace attack alongside Josh Tongue, with Adil Rashid heading the spin department, apart from occasional help from the all-rounders.
England Playing XI vs India for 2nd ODI 2026
Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Gus Atkinson, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue
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