ENG vs AUS: Steve Smith made Australia captain for series decider in Bristol

Steve Smith has returned as the captain of Australia for the series decider against England on September 29, Sunday. Smith replaced Mitchell Marsh for the final game of the series in Bristol.

In Short

• Marsh missed out on the game due to soreness, caused by his workload
• Smith last captained Australia in February this year during West Indies series
• Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first

Steve Smith has returned as the ODI captain for Australia for the series decider against England in Bristol on September 29, Sunday. Smith has replaced Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out of the game due to soreness. Smith had last captained Australia during the West Indies series in February and took on the role as Marsh had an issue.

Speaking at the toss, Smith said that Marsh was a bit sore from the last game at Lord's and is hoping that Australia can start well with the ball in Bristol. Smith would announce that along with Marsh, Sean Abbott and Alex Carey are also out for the game with Aaron Hardie, Matt Short and Cooper Connolly making his ODI debut. Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first.

"Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] is bit sore from the last game. Big game 2-2. Hopefully, we can start well with the ball, hopefully it nips around a bit. Must-win games are what you play for, Mitch, Sean Abbott and Alex Carey are out. Aaron Hardie and Matt Short come in, Cooper Connolly makes his debut," said Smith.

Cricket Australia would reveal that Marsh's soreness was down to the heavy workload and not because of his bowling return.

"Marsh pulled up sore following the previous match at Lord's where he bowled for the first time since April, finishing with 1-27 from four overs."

"His soreness is related to his heavy workload across Australia's month-long UK tour and not his return the bowling crease, with today's clash their fifth ODI in the space of 11 days," read the statement.

England also decided to bring in Olly Stone for Jofra Archer for the series decider.

England vs Australia: Playing XIs

England (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Harry Brook(c), Jamie Smith(w), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Adil Rashid

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steven Smith(c), Josh Inglis(w), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood