England face a top-order selection headache as they prepare for the ODI series against Australia. Despite being ranked eighth in the world, England's ODI cricket has trended positively this year. However, a tri-series loss in Pakistan has intensified the debate over the opening combination.
Jacob Bethell, fit again after a knee injury, forces his way back into contention. Tom Banton has seized the opener's spot during Bethell's absence, averaging 56.28 with four fifties and a 126 against Sri Lanka. Duckett and Banton average 71 as a partnership, with Duckett recently scoring back-to-back hundreds.
Consequently, dropping Duckett seems unlikely. While Bethell may not displace Banton at the top, his return complicates the middle-order picture. Jos Buttler is absent with a hamstring injury, leaving Jordan Cox slated for a gloves-and-bat role.
However, Cox's recent form in Pakistan was modest. The selectors could opt to drop Cox, have Banton keep wicket, and recall Bethell to provide a left-handed option in the middle order.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing