In a bid to avoid further World Cup embarrassment against the Netherlands in Pune, England captain Jos Buttler made some strategic changes while deciding to bat first after winning the toss at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
The reigning champions entered this match at the bottom of the 10-team table, having failed to secure a spot in the semi-finals during their lackluster title defence. Out of their previous seven group games, they managed only one win against Bangladesh.
Batsman Harry Brook and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were called back into the lineup. Brook took the place of all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who has been averaging just 10 in the tournament. Meanwhile, Atkinson stepped in for fast bowler Mark Wood, who has been nursing a knee injury and had an expensive bowling average of 58.16 per wicket.
A victory for England here is crucial to keep their hopes alive for the 2025 Champions Trophy qualification.
The Netherlands, currently standing ninth in the rankings, had sprung a surprise with a win over South Africa, who made it to the semi-finals. They also triumphed over Bangladesh. The Netherlands made one change, with Teja Nidamanuru replacing fellow all-rounder Saqib Zulfiqar.
Both England and the Netherlands still have something to play for in India, as the top seven teams in the World Cup (plus hosts Pakistan) would qualify for the Champions Trophy. For the Netherlands, the participation fee of around $500,000 from the International Cricket Council would be a significant financial boost.
England have a perfect record against the Netherlands in one-day internationals, winning all six of their previous encounters. Notably, they set an ODI record total of 498 in the first match of a three-game series in Amstelveen last year. However, the Netherlands have had their moments, including a dramatic last-ball win over England in the opening match of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup at Lord's and a 45-run victory at the 2014 edition in Bangladesh.
