The surprise for Toss was in a store Fifth ODI between Australia and England in Bristol. Steve Smiththe former Australian captain was chosen to lead the side in his absence Mitchell Marsh.
The reason why Steve Smith replaced Mitchell Marsh as captain
Marsh’s unavailability due to injury from the previous game gave Smith the opportunity to captain Australia in England for the first time in seven years. His last stint as England captain was at Edgbaston during the 2017 Champions Trophy.
This is Smith’s 12th captaincy for Australia following his one-year ban following the 2018 sandpaper scandal. During the shootout, Smith explained Marsh’s absence and expressed his hope for a strong start to the morning game under overcast skies.
“Mitch is a little sore from last game, not good today. Big game, 2-2, hopefully a good start in the morning game, few clouds around. Must-win games are what you play” Smith said after winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
Also READ: ‘I wish I was an Australian…’ – Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh pick the most Australian cricketer.
The Australians made three changes to their XI, with Marsh, Sean Abbott and Alex Carey replacing Matthew Short, Aaron Hardy and Cooper Connolly.
And England made one change, bringing on Ollie Stone for Jofra Archer. The five-match series is currently tied at 2-2, with both teams winning two matches. The result of this final ODI will decide the winner of the series.
ENG vs AUS, 5th ODI: 11th game for both teams
England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook (c), Jamie Smith (w), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Braydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Adil Rashid
Australia: Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steven Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
