LONDON, Sept 27 (AFP): Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to field in the fourth one-day international against England at Lord's on Friday as the world champions recalled three senior players in their quest for a series-clinching win.
No sooner had the toss taken place, however, in a match already shortened by rain, then a fresh downpour saw the pitch and square covered up again.
But with the weather relenting, play was now due to start at 2:45 pm local time (1345 GMT) in a match reduced to 39 overs per side instead of the regulation 50.
Australia welcomed back the fit-again World Cup winning trio of in-form opener Travis Head, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and leg-spinner Adam Zampa as they looked to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in a five-match series.
Alex Carey, who had deputised behind the stumps for Inglis in the opening three games of this series, retained his place as a specialist batsman after a match-winning 74 in the second ODI at Leeds and an unbeaten 77 in defeat at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.
"We are all good - you welcome that experience," said Marsh at the toss.
"Alex Carey is still in as a batter. Alex has been fantastic for us and deserves his place in the team."
England were unchanged from the side that kept the series alive with a 46-run win in Durham -- a match featuring captain Harry Brook's maiden ODI century.
"I think we did great in both innings (in Durham)," said Brook at the toss. "We recognised a couple of overs where we could apply a lot of pressure and we took that opportunity."
England's decision to field the same side meant injury-plagued fast bowler Jofra Archer was playing in back-to-back matches, having taken an encouraging 2-67 at Chester-le-Street.
Australia recall WC-winning trio for fourth England ODI
FE Team | Published: September 27, 2024 21:21:31
Australia recall WC-winning trio for fourth England ODI
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