In the first game of the ICC Champions Trophy, the home side England won the toss and decided to bowl first with four-seamers against Bangladesh.
The good news for them was that everybody was fit and available for selection, which meant that all the three players viz Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes, who missed the Lord’s ODI against South Africa were back to bolster the home team. Also as captain hinted earlier, Jason Roy was given an extended run despite failing in the series against South Africa.
Bangladesh on the other also wanted to bowl first. There were no injury concerns in their camp as well and everyone was up for selection. Mashrafe Mortaza pressed upon fearing England and play to win the game. The non-inclusion of Mehedi Hasan Miraz was a big news, which came from this camp.
Though England is deemed to be favourites for this game but they have to overcome their memory of defeat which they suffered against Bangladesh in World Cup 2015, which ended their journey in the tournament. Along with that, Tigers have defeated England four times in last seven ODIs, which can add to the pressure. All in all, conditions though may favour England but taking this team lightly can cost them later in the day.
Here is what both the captains said at the time of the toss-
Mashrafe Mortaza: ‘We would have bowled first as well. There will be some swing early on, but looks like a good wicket, we need to put up a good score on the board. Everyone’s fit and ready to play. We are excited about the game, we have played some good cricket over the last 2-3 years. They will start as favourites, but we will not fear them, it’s a new day, new wicket and a new pitch. We will look to play hard.
Eoin Morgan: We will bowl first. It’s a 10:30 start, if there’s anything in the wicket, it will be useful to bowl then. Everyone’s are fit, but we are going with four seamers. Jake Ball replaces Adil Rashid. Jason looked good in the nets, playing in his home ground – he should be back into form. We can hopefully continue the momentum through the tournament. Not really concerned about Bedn’s bowling form at the moment.
Here is the playing XI of both the teams –
England Playing XI: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood, Jake Ball.
Bangladesh Playing XI: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mashrafe Mortaza(c), Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain.