Australia v England: Tourists consider changes for third ODI

Third one-day international: Australia v England

  • Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
  • Date: Sun 19 January
  • Starts: 03:20 GMT

Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 LW, and via the BBC iPlayer Radio app, the BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app; live text commentary on BBC Sport website, mobiles & app

England limited-overs batting coach Graham Thorpe says captain Alastair Cook may reconsider his tactics for Sunday's third one-day international against Australia in Sydney.

Cook's side trail Australia 2-0 in the five-match series following a one-wicket defeat in Brisbane on Friday.

"I think if Alastair re-ran it again, the last part of that game, he may do things differently," said Thorpe.

"Do we need to change things? That's what we're trying to find out."

England's team selection and bowling tactics, and Cook's captaincy, came under scrutiny at the Gabba as their bowlers - without a front-line spinner in the side - took some heavy punishment.

Australia, chasing 301 to win, recovered from 120-5 and 244-9 as James Faulkner's unbeaten 69 from 47 balls dominated a last-wicket stand of 57 with last man Clint McKay to rescue a seemingly lost cause.

Ex-England batsman Thorpe explained: "We haven't had a big meeting about it, but come tomorrow [Sunday] we have to look at the side which we pick.

"It's not just the immediate series, which is not lost.

"Part of this is learning about players and can they stand up in this environment and perform? That's what we have to find out on this trip, for our planning when we come back."

England will be boosted by the return of pace bowler Stuart Broad, rested for the first two ODIs, for Sunday's match, and Thorpe confirmed that there are likely to be be further changes made as they continue to search for a winning formula against Australia.

The Aussies' latest successes against England follow the 5-0 Test whitewash of their rivals in the Ashes.

"The game comes again tomorrow. If we're not in the right state of mind it will be a very tough game for England," added Thorpe.

"It's not the time for us to sulk and feel sorry for ourselves. We have to stand up and keep going forward.

"I think if we can stand up and actually win tomorrow's game, it would be an enormous achievement and show enormous strength in the side.

"We have to demand that from the players. When you put on an England shirt that's what you have to do."