![The England cricket team to play 1st ODI vs Australia [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794473907298_EnglandPlayingXI.jpg?type=hq)
The England cricket team to play 1st ODI vs Australia [Source: AFP]
England are set to face Australia in the upcoming ODI series, with Harry Brook leading the squad in the 1st ODI on November 13. The visitors have several batting options to choose from, while their all-rounders provide considerable flexibility in building the playing XI.
The squad also has some interesting selection battles, particularly in the pace department. While Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson bring experience, Jamie Overton and Sam Curran have also delivered useful performances with the ball in 2026. England's batting unit, meanwhile, has enjoyed an impressive year too.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, England will be keen to find the right combination and give their preferred players enough opportunities. On that note, let's analyse England's predicted playing XI for the ODI series against Australia.
Top Order - Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (wk), Joe Root
England have several options for the opening positions, but Ben Duckett and Tom Banton appear to be the strongest combination based on their performances this year.
Duckett has been one of England's most consistent batters this year. He has accumulated 737 runs in 13 ODIs at an impressive average of 56.69. His tally also includes three centuries and a highest score of 167.
Tom Banton, meanwhile, has made a strong comeback into the selection picture. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 394 runs in seven ODIs at an average of 56.28, including a century and a highest score of 126.
At number three, Joe Root is an almost automatic selection. He has scored 680 runs in 13 ODIs this year at an outstanding average of 85, including a century and four wickets with the ball. Root's ability to control the middle overs and build partnerships will be particularly important against Australia's bowling attack.
Middle Order and All-Rounders - Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Sam Curran
Harry Brook will take responsibility at number four, with the England captain expected to be one of the key players in the series. Brook has accumulated 612 runs in 13 ODIs in 2026 at an average of 51. His tally includes two centuries, with his highest score being an impressive 202.
Jordan Cox is another interesting selection at number five. Although he has featured in only five ODIs this year, he has scored 143 runs at an average of 35.75, including a highest score of 76.
Cox's inclusion would give England another technically sound batting option in the middle order. He can also provide wicketkeeping cover if required, although Banton remains the preferred choice behind the stumps.
Will Jacks and Sam Curran will complete the middle-order combination as the two all-rounders. Jacks has been particularly impressive with both bat and ball in 2026. He has scored 309 runs in 12 matches at an average of 44.14 and has also picked up 12 wickets at 32.91.
Curran, meanwhile, has collected 12 wickets in 10 ODIs at an average of 39.33. Although his batting returns have been relatively modest, his ability to contribute with both departments makes him a useful option.
Bowlers - Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton
England are likely to rely on two specialist spinners and two specialist seamers, with Curran and Jacks providing additional bowling options. Liam Dawson has made a strong case for selection with his performances in 2026. He has picked up 14 wickets in eight ODIs at an impressive average of 21.78. His best figures stand at 4/49.
Alongside him, Adil Rashid will be England's primary leg-spin option. Although he has managed only nine wickets in seven matches this year at an average of 36.22, his experience and ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs make him difficult to leave out.
Among the specialist pacers, Gus Atkinson is expected to retain his place. He has taken 12 wickets in nine ODIs at an average of 33.08, with his best figures being 3/50.
Jamie Overton could complete the pace attack. He has also picked up 12 wickets in nine ODIs this year at an average of 32.25. His best figures of 3/43 highlight his ability to provide breakthroughs.
Overton's selection would also give England another lower-order batting option. Considering his recent returns, he has a strong case to feature ahead of Jofra Archer, who has taken six wickets in six matches at a comparatively expensive average of 48.50.
England’s Predicted Playing XI vs Australia- 1st ODI, 2026
Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton
