The Ashes is done and dusted but the rivalry between traditional foes Australia and England resumes in the 50-over format in a battle expected to be far more exciting and closely fought than the disappointingly lop-sided Test series. Ironically, in the aftermath of such a hyped but underwhelming Ashes, the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series starting at the MCG on January 14 is set to be a relatively low-key affair and in the backdrop of the burgeoning Big Bash League and the upcoming Australian Open tennis.

David Warner, the Australian opener, has been declared a certain starter despite struggling with a gastro issue. Halzewood has been rested meaning uncapped West Australian pair Jyhe Richardson and Andrew Tye could make their ODI debuts. Both could play if Australia decide against playing Adam Zampa although the legspinner is tipped to be included. Selectors will decide between Travis Head or White for the vacant No.4 spot.

In the absence of Stokes, England have shuffled their batting order with Hales batting at three and Root moving down to four. Struggling allrounder Moeen Ali might miss out if England decide to boost their pace stocks with seamer Tom Curran.

Probable Australia XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Tim Paine (wk),Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Adam Zampa

Probable England XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid