England cricket team [Source: @ECB/X]
England will be looking to bounce back when they take on Australia in the second ODI of the series after suffering a disappointing seven-wicket defeat in the opening match at Perth.
The visitors were bowled out for just 131 runs, with young Australian pacer Mahli Beardman producing a sensational spell of 6/24 to dismantle their batting lineup.
Harry Brook's side struggled to build partnerships throughout the innings, with only Tom Banton, Will Jacks and Gus Atkinson managing to cross the 20-run mark.
Despite the heavy defeat, England are unlikely to make significant changes to their playing XI for the second ODI. The team management could back the same group of players to deliver a better performance, particularly with several experienced batters and all-rounders capable of making an impact.
On that note, here is a look at England's predicted playing XI for the second ODI against Australia.
Top Order – Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (wk), Joe Root
England are expected to retain Ben Duckett and Tom Banton as their opening combination, despite neither batter managing to produce a substantial contribution in the first ODI. Duckett scored nine runs before being dismissed by Spencer Johnson, while Banton made 25 off 27 deliveries.
Banton's innings included five boundaries, and he looked comfortable during his brief stay at the crease. His wicketkeeping abilities also make him an important part of the combination. England are likely to give him another opportunity to provide a strong start alongside Duckett.
Joe Root is expected to continue at number three. The experienced batter managed only 17 runs off 36 deliveries in the series opener, falling to Mahli Beardman. However, his ability to stabilise the innings and build partnerships makes him an important selection, particularly after England's top order struggled in Perth.
Middle Order and All-Rounders – Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Sam Curran
Harry Brook will continue to lead the side and occupy the number four position. The England captain had a disappointing outing in the opening ODI, scoring just one run before becoming another victim of Beardman.
Jordan Cox is expected to retain his place as the wicketkeeper-batter's middle-order partner. He managed only two runs in the first ODI and was dismissed during England's collapse. Nevertheless, the team management could back him to make a stronger contribution in the upcoming fixture.
Will Jacks will be another important part of the middle order. He scored 25 off 47 deliveries in Perth, but struggled to accelerate as wickets continued to fall around him. His ability to contribute with off-spin also gives England another bowling option, making him valuable to the overall combination.
Sam Curran is likely to remain in the XI as the team's seam-bowling all-rounder even though he failed to open his account with the bat in the first ODI and bowled only one over during Australia's chase.
Bowlers – Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer
England are expected to stick with their four specialist bowling options, with Liam Dawson providing the spin-bowling option. Dawson had a difficult outing in the first ODI, scoring a duck and failing to pick up a wicket. However, his left-arm spin and ability to control the middle overs could be important against Australia's aggressive batting lineup.
Gus Atkinson was among England's more encouraging performers in Perth. He remained unbeaten on 29 off 32 deliveries, helping the visitors reach 131 after their batting collapse. With the ball, he also picked up the wicket of Travis Head and conceded 40 runs in his 10 overs.
Jamie Overton is also expected to retain his place. The all-rounder dismissed Mitchell Marsh in the first ODI but conceded 35 runs in just 4.3 overs. Although his bowling figures were expensive, his pace and lower-order batting ability provide England with useful flexibility.
Jofra Archer could complete the bowling attack. He picked up the wicket of Cooper Connolly in the previous match but conceded 48 runs in his eight overs. Despite the expensive figures, Archer remains one of England's key fast-bowling options, and the team is likely to give him another opportunity to make an impact.
England's Predicted Playing XI vs Australia – 2nd ODI, 2026
Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer





















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