England will face Ireland in the inaugural fixture of the three-match ODI series on Friday, September 19. The showdown is scheduled to unfold at the Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds.
A notable highlight of this contest is the appointment of Zak Crawley as the captain of the English side for the first time in the 50-overs format. The 25-year-old’s leadership skills will be tested as he guides the team through the series.
On the other side, wicketkeeper-batter Paul Stirling will lead the Irish team. Stirling’s wealth of experience and cricketing wisdom will be instrumental in leading his side effectively.
Both teams know the significance of securing victory in the opening match to gain early momentum and potentially set the tone for the series.
ODI Stats and Records at Headingley Cricket Ground:
- Total matches: 47
- Matches won batting first: 18
- Matches won bowling first: 26
- Average 1st Inns scores: 227
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 211
- Highest total recorded: 351/9 (50 Overs) by England vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 93/10 (36.2 Overs) by England vs Australia
- Highest score chased: 324/2 (37.3 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs England
- Lowest score defended: 165/9 (60 Overs) by England vs Pakistan
Also READ: ENG vs IRE 2023, ODI series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and Where to Watch in India, USA, Canada, UK & other countries
Headingley Cricket Ground Pitch Report:
The Headingley Cricket Ground features a fast pitch with pronounced pace and bounce, particularly during the initial overs of a match. This characteristic allows the ball to exhibit significant movement, offering a prime opportunity for fast bowlers to exploit these conditions during the early stages.
As the match unfolds, the pitch becomes more favourable for batters, with reduced assistance for spin bowlers. However, in the second innings, the pitch typically dries out and starts to break, creating opportunities for spin bowlers to become more influential. The average 1st Innings score on this venue is 227.
Leeds Weather Forecast:
The weather forecast for Wednesday in Leeds indicates a high likelihood of rain, with a 90% chance of precipitation. The humidity is expected to be relatively high at 81%, making for a muggy day. Additionally, wind will blow at a speed of 31 kmph, potentially impacting outdoor activities and adding to the overall dampness.
ENG vs IRE, Probable Playing XI, 1st ODI
England: Zak Crawley (c), Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Joe Root, Phil Salt (wk), Sam Hain, Craig Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Luke Wood, Matthew Potts
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Andy McBrine, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Josh Little, Craig Young