Jacob Bethell Dropped? England Predicted Playing XI For 3rd ODI Vs India, 2026

Jacob Bethell has been in poor form in the ODI series vs India [Source: AFP]

England managed to beat India convincingly in the second ODI on Thursday to level the three-match series, 1-1. The hosts lost the first ODI game, and they needed to win the second in order to stay alive; their task was made easier by Joe Root, who produced a batting masterclass to level things up.

England needed 234 runs to win the second ODI, and on a slightly tricky Surface, Root remained unbeaten on 99 and broke several milestones to help the Three Lions win the contest in Cardiff.

However, despite the win, England do have plenty of problems to address before the series finale, and ahead of the IND Vs ENG 3rd ODI, we take a look at England’s predicted playing XI, with a possible change on the cards.

England playing XI for 3rd ODI Vs India, 2026

Openers and top order: Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root

Ben Duckett has been decent in the ongoing series, having scored runs in the first ODI match. However, concerns have been raised regarding Jacob Bethell’s numbers. The middle-order batter was asked to open the innings in the IND Vs ENG ODIs, and so far, the move has failed.

In two matches, he has accumulated just 18 runs, and the batter has certainly looked uncomfortable against the new ball. The team does have Tom Banton waiting in the wings, but England have not shown any faith in his ODI abilities.

There is Will Jacks in the middle-order who can be pushed up the order, but he last opened for England in 2024, and since then, the team has played him in the middle-order. The England think-tank have shown a lot of faith in Bethell, and despite his poor numbers, the southpaw will open in the 3rd ODI.

Then, there is Joe Root, who has been nearly untouchable in the series. England’s number 3 has broken several records, and he’ll once again hold the key for the Three Lions in the IND Vs ENG 3rd ODI.

Middle order and all-rounders: Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Sam Curran, Will Jacks

On paper, England has a solid middle-order, with the explosive Harry Brook batting at number 4. Just like Bethell, Brook has failed to deliver the goods in the two matches so far, but with the series on the line, the English captain will be eager to play a match-winning knock.

Also Read: Joe Root Breaks Silence On Being Stranded At 99, Shubman Gill Rubbishes

Jos Buttler will play at number 5, followed by two terrific all-rounders in Sam Curran, and Will Jacks. The two Surrey players will be used as finishers, and they can also chip in with overs.

Bowlers: Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood

The England bowlers have been the MVP of the team, with the likes of Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and others delivering the goods.

Jofra Archer has been used wisely by Harry Brook, and Archer has already proven his worth by picking 4 wickets in the two matches. He has become a problem for Virat Kohli in the two matches, and the right-arm pacer will once again be used to torment the Indian batters.

Despite conceding runs, Atkinson has been outstanding, and so have been Saqib Mahmood, who has taken wickets at regular intervals to trouble the Indian batters.

Adil Rashid will be the front-line spinner, as England will aim to capture the series in the 3rd ODI at Lord’s.