England have the right balance, says coach Giles

(Reuters) – England one-day coach Ashley Giles believes his side have the right balance ahead of today’s third one-day international against Australia at Edgbaston.

Following Sunday’s 88-run defeat, England trail 1-0 in the five-match series after the first one-dayer at Headingley was washed out.

Defeat at Old Trafford also raised questions over England’s decision to rest a number of key players and field only three recognised bowlers.

“I’ve heard a lot about the balance of the side,” Giles told reporters yesterday. “Ben (Stokes) is playing as a third seamer and is an improving bowler, has good skills, can bowl mid 80s (miles per hour) upwards and has that potential to do that job on its own.

“Otherwise the balance is what we played at the Champions Trophy when we were very successful.”

England reached the final of the Champions Trophy in June, where they lost to India.