Rain threatens to dampen heated decider

Match facts

October 12, Chittagong Start time 2.30pm (0830GMT)

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There has been 30mm of rain in Chittagong in the last 24 hours and there is heavy rain in the forecast throughout Wednesday, leaving the third ODI in doubt. If rain does play a decisive part, it will be a huge anti-climax to a one-day series that has spiced up on and off the field.

But if the weather does relent it promises to be a humdinger if though it could be a shortened game. The teams have gone through every dramatic turn possible during the course of the first two ODIs. Top-order struggles, two magnificent centuries, two debutants’ strong showing, a batting and fielding collapse, the captains’ performance and off the ball shenanigans have all made it an intriguing contest.

Both teams have shown vulnerability, which has added to the context of another big occasion. Bangladesh have the chance to become only the second team in the sub-continent to win seven home bilateral ODI series in a row, and England would like to stop them from doing it.

Jos Buttler is leading a feisty unit that bats as deep as No. 11, now that Jake Ball also showed that he can hold his own. What has been delightful to see has been Ball’s effort with the ball in his first playing experience in the sub-continent. His attitude is an asset that can spread through the team over the long winter in Bangladesh and India.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will have another chance to right their top and middle-order wrongs, and find a way to raise their run-rate in the last ten overs. But all …

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