England vs Australia, 3rd T20I - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Loads of changes

Australia want to chase tonight and they have made three changes to their lineup. David Warner sits out and there is no Alex Carey as well in that top six. The wait for Labuschagne continues as Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh replace the duo in the XI. In the bowling department, Pat Cummins makes way for Josh Hazlewood, who is playing his first T20I in more than four years.

But the big news from the England camp is that Moeen Ali is indeed leading England in the absence of Morgan. Joe Denly and Sam Billings replace Morgan and Buttler in the XI.

Teams:

England (Playing XI): Tom Banton, Jonny Bairstow(wk), Dawid Malan, Sam Billings, Moeen Ali(c), Joe Denly, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood

Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch(c), Matthew Wade(wk), Marcus Stoinis, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Build up

By Eoin Morgan's own admission, Australia were 'slight favourites' for this series. One could understand why Morgan made that claim despite England being world champions in 50-over cricket. Australia are ranked number one in the T20I rankings and they also landed in the UK with a full-strength squad. England on the other hand didn't have Jason Roy and Ben Stokes. But two games into the series and it is England who are on the cusp of dethroning Australia from the number one spot.

It is Australia's own undoing that they find themselves in this position. This series could have well been poised for a decider tonight had Australia closed out the first game like they should have. But a stunning implosion has seen them squander the series and potentially the top rank as well. The seamers were then guilty of not adapting to the surface in the second game, allowing Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan a free run at the modest target.

Australia would have learnt their lesson but it will be interesting to see if they back the same bunch or take a look at the options available on the bench. Marnus Labuschagne for instance has never played a T20I until now. But where can he fit in if he does get an opportunity is the question. Australia are already struggling to find the best spot for Marcus Stoinis and they promoted Alex Carey to number 3 last time.

England on the other hand might approach this encounter in a relaxed fashion even though the number one spot is at stake. Morgan hurt his finger in the previous game and might not be risked tonight. Birthday boy Buttler has anyway left the squad to be with his family. So Tom Banton might get another crack at the top of the order tonight. Welcome to the live blog for this final match of the T20I series. Tweet in your opinions to @Narbavi and have them featured on the blog.