England and Ireland are all set to face each other in the three-match ODI series starting from today (September 20). While this is a good opportunity for Ireland to stake claim for regular matches against top tier nations, the hosts have named an entirely second-string squad to make sure their World Cup unit stays injury free and fresh.
However, Joe Root was a late addition to the squad after the cricketer requested to do so. Root has been going through a rough patch and it continued in the four ODIs against New Zealand as well. Zak Crawley will lead England in this series and is a chance for him to showcase his leadership skills as well. For Ireland, Paul Stirling will continue to lead the squad and will have a lot to prove after missing out on World Cup qualification earlier this year.
ENG vs IRE 1st ODI Pitch Report
The surfaces in England have changed a lot over the years with batters yielding benefits. Headingley is expected to be the same and expect the side winning the toss to bowl first.
Headingley, Leeds Numbers Game
Total ODI Matches - 47
Matches won batting first - 18
Matches won bowling first - 26
Average first innings score - 227
Average second innings score - 211
Highest total - 351/9 (50 overs) by ENG vs PAK
Lowest total - 93/10 (36.2 overs) by ENG vs AUS
Highest score chased - 324/2 (37.3 overs) by SL vs ENG
Lowest score defended - 165/9 (60 overs) by ENG vs PAK
Squads
England squad: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley(c), Joe Root, Philip Salt, Jamie Smith(w), Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks, Luke Wood, Brydon Carse, Tom Hartley, George Scrimshaw, Matthew Potts, Sam Hain
Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker(w), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Craig Young, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Neil Rock, Graham Hume, Andy McBrine, Theo van Woerkom
