Sun Sep 29 10:27:14 UTC 2024: ## Smith to Lead Australia in Series Decider as Marsh Pulls Out with Soreness
**Bristol, England:** Steve Smith will captain Australia in the series deciding fifth ODI against England after Mitch Marsh was ruled out due to soreness. The all-rounder, who bowled for the first time since April in the previous match, will miss the final match of the UK tour due to a heavy workload over the past month.
In his place, Cooper Connolly will make his ODI debut, one of three changes for the Australian side. The other changes see Matt Short returning to the top of the order and Aaron Hardie coming in at number seven. Alex Carey, the team’s second-highest run-scorer in the series, has been omitted.
The visitors have battled a string of injuries and illnesses throughout the tour, losing four fast bowlers and allrounder Cameron Green. The team’s experiment of playing both wicketkeepers lasted just one match with a fit-again Josh Inglis retaining his place at number four.
England have made just one change, replacing Jofra Archer with Olly Stone after the former’s workload was managed following his return to the side at Lord’s.
The match is scheduled for 8 pm AEST at the County Ground in Bristol, with Australia looking to regain momentum after being thrashed by 186 runs at Lord’s in the previous match.
First Piper 